Cricketer-turned-expert Harbhajan Singh is unhappy with India's selectors for snubbing Shreyas Iyer for the upcoming five-match Test series against England. The former India off-spinner also stated the team's success will depend a lot on mindset apart from skill. India will begin a new bold era in Test cricket under a young and dynamic leader in Shubman Gill. With the Test retirements of Ravi Ashwin, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, India will be significantly inexperienced against a Bazball England side.
Batting will be in focus for the Gill-led side, with the pitches in England offering seam and swing movement prodigiously. Harbhajan said the team should believe in themselves and play fearlessly.
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“The team needs to believe in themselves — believe that they can win. This team has the ability,” Harbhajan said.
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“These are the same youngsters — Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant — who broke Australia's fortress at the Gabba. Now, it's their turn to make history again. The opportunity is massive, and they should grab it with both hands.”
Harbhajan Singh weighs in on why Shreyas Iyer's absence could hurt India
The expert further explained why India will miss the in-form Shreyas Iyer for the Test series against England. The PBKS captain scored more than 600 runs in the IPL. He also performed well for India in their Champions Trophy-winning campaign. Iyer has also worked on his short-ball game, and many expected he will be picked for the England series.
“Shreyas Iyer is a very fine player. He's proven himself in ODIs, performed in the World Cup, Champions Trophy, and IPL. So yes, he should've been in the squad. But maybe the selectors don't see him as a red-ball player right now,” Harbhajan said. “If I were part of the selection committee, I would have considered him. But this is not the end — his journey is long, and he might even be a future ODI captain. One missed tour doesn't mean his career is over.”
For the number three position, Harbhajan backed Sai Sudarshan, rather than Gill playing that position.
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“In my opinion, Sai Sudharsan should play at No.3. He's a left-hander in top form and just came off a very impressive IPL. His technique is sound, and I believe he could be the solution at that position.”
