The Proteas collected a two-one ODI series defeat to Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates this month.
South Africa were bowled out for 106 in the first match and 134 in the second.
“I don’t think there is a definitive answer to the Proteas’ batting problems. I think it’s a combination of things,” said Proteas batting coach JP Duminy.
“Head coach Rob Walter mentioned guys need to play more games. What it allows for is exposure. It allows for guys to be playing in conditions that are foreign, but also playing against opposition players that you won’t play in South Africa.
“We are always going to be exposed if you are not exposed to something early on. I’m of the opinion that we are going to have to learn the hard way from a batting point of view.
“Unfortunately, when you’re indecisive in your movements, you can be caught off guard, and that’s where we find ourselves.
“There is no running away from a situation like this. We were well below par in both games. We have to turn the mirror on ourselves and ask how we are going to get better.”
Duminy played 199 ODIs from 2004 to 2019. Almost a quarter of the 199 were played in Asia – India, Bangladesh, UAE, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
“I have certainly had my own experiences as player when it comes to sub-continent conditions where this can happen,” he added.
“We find ourselves in a position where we’re coming up against one of the best spinners in the world and, at times, guys found themselves in tricky situations where they didn’t pick him.”
South Africa currently occupy third position in the International Cricket Council’s rankings for ODI teams. India, Australia and Pakistan are in first, second and fourth position, respectively.