India, Nov. 18 -- India unleashed a surprise element in their optional net session at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday, calling a rare bowler to help the batters prepare for South Africa's spin challenge. The move came just days after the Eden Gardens blow, where concerns around handling quality spin resurfaced.

According to a PTI report, India held a match simulation in Kolkata to help batters prepare for the threat of off-spinner Simon Harmer, who claimed four wickets in each innings of the series opener, and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj. During the session, unheralded Bengal ambidextrous spinner Kaushik Maity was brought in as a nets option, doubling up for both roles during the optional practice.

The 26-year-old, who has re...