Harbhajan Singh slams India's World Cup squad choices, highlights omissions of Chahal and Arshdeep

The spinner also spoke about the significance of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Harbhajan Singh

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has shared his belief that India's 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023 should have included Yuzvendra Chahal and Arshdeep Singh. This decision has raised eyebrows among fans and experts. Harbhajan made his sentiments known during a virtual press conference hosted by Star Sports where he underscored the value of having a left-arm seamer like Arshdeep in the lineup.

Harbhajan expressed, "I think there are two people missing in this team. First, Yuzvendra Chahal, and second, Arshdeep Singh. Because a left-arm seamer if he can bring the new ball inside, it makes it useful in the game". He further emphasized the influence of left-arm seamers like Mitchell Starc and Shaheen Shah Afridi in international cricket.

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Harbhajan's support for Chahal was unwavering, describing him as a proven match-winner and asserting that he should have been a permanent presence in the playing XI. He stated, "Chahal is a proven match-winner, someone who has taken more wickets than any other spinner, and if he was playing for any other country, I think he would have been in the playing XI all the time".

Harbhajan also expressed surprise at the absence of right-arm spinners in the squad, pointing out that India had selected two left-arm spinners who may not both feature in the same match. He argued that Chahal and Arshdeep should have been included to provide a more balanced bowling attack.

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Shifting his focus to batting, Harbhajan highlighted Suryakumar Yadav as the X-factor in the Indian team for the World Cup. He described him as the most impactful middle-order batter in India. Despite Suryakumar's recent struggles in the ODI format, Harbhajan praised his ability to find gaps in the field and change the game quickly.

The spinner concluded by underscoring the significance of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli providing a strong start for the team in the tournament.

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