Leave balls pitching outside the off-stump, says Chandu Borde

Former India batsman Chandu Borde has some advice for the Indian colts to ease their troubles in the rainbow nation. As history prevailed, the Indian batsmen yet again struggled to survive in the pacy South African conditions. The batting lineup fell like a pack of cards, deceived by the pace and bounce the wicket presented. India slumped to a 72 runs defeat in the first Test at Cape Town after failing to chase a modest 208 target after being shot out for 135 to give South Africa a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Borde, who served as the vice-captain of the Indian team under the tutelage of Late Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi advised the batsmen to stay a bit outside the crease and leave the balls pitching outside the off-stump. He also exuded confidence that Kohli’s men would bounce back in the second Test starting at Centurion on Saturday.

Speaking to TOI, Borde said, “First thing is to stay there on the wicket, which is important, and particularly to leave the ball that is pitched outside the off stump. Many of our batsmen were either caught behind or were caught in the slips,”

He added, “Therefore they should change their technique in such a way that anything that pitches outside the off stump, they should try and leave in the beginning and once you get set to that bounce and pace then play the shots.”

Borde chooses KL Rahul over Dhawan

The 83-year- old Borde, who was among the finest Indian batsmen of his era described the current Indian team as one of the best sides to visit South Africa. He also conceded that it is easier for bowlers to adjust to the conditions, while the batsmen needed at least 2-3 practice games to acclimatize.

Borde also opined he would like to see K L Rahul in the playing eleven instead of Shikhar Dhawan when asked whether such a switch needs to be done.