Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has claimed that India have lost their signature trait of playing spin in turning conditions. As many as 12 of the 19 wickets India lost in the series-opening clash against South Africa at the Eden Gardens came while facing spin. Raina admitted that the manner in which the two sides have played spin has made the difference in the series.

"The difference between South Africa and India is that we are not playing spin well. That's what we used to do. The USP of Indian batters was the ability to play spin well," stated Raina, as quoted by NDTV.

The erstwhile middle-order batter conceded that India missed a solid middle-order batter in their present squad. He pointed out the lack of Test cricket since the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

"Absolutely, I think (India are missing a glue in the middle order). They still have a lot of quality players, but they haven't played much cricket after Australia (2024/25 BGT). We lost against New Zealand also. The cricket this team is playing is in a different manner now. We saw during the Ashes also, the Test match finished in two-and-a-half days," he added.

The Proteas defeated India by 30 runs in Kolkata in a match dominated by the spinners from both teams. Simon Harmer claimed the Player of the Match award for his eight-wicket match haul (4/30 in 15.2 overs and 4/21 in 14 overs).

India lost the second Test in Guwahati by a record 408-run margin. They had already lost a couple of wickets by Stumps on Day 4 and the remaining eight feel on the final day in Guwahati with Harmer doing the damage once again with a six-wicket haul.

India's struggles against spin was evident even during the home series against New Zealand last year, as the Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner duo picked 28 wickets in seven innings combined. The part-time spin of Glenn Phillips secured eight wickets in five innings as well.