Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh criticized the Indian team management for their selection decisions during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), calling for a performance-based approach to team selection rather than relying on players’ reputations. His remarks came after India suffered a 3-1 defeat in the series, with Australia reclaiming the trophy after a decade. The loss left India with serious questions to address, particularly in preparation for their upcoming England Test tour.
The final Test in Sydney highlighted questionable decision-making, as India fielded two spinners on a grassy pitch that offered little assistance to spinners but plenty for pacers. This choice backfired when key pacer Jasprit Bumrah was sidelined by back spasms, leaving Mohammed Siraj and debutant Prasidh Krishna to shoulder the burden of defending a modest target of 162 runs. The spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, bowled only four overs between them in the match, intensifying scrutiny over the team’s strategy.
Harbhajan criticized the team’s reliance on spin-bowling all-rounders to bolster batting depth on a surface that demanded seamers. He highlighted that Test cricket requires different tactics than shorter formats and emphasized the importance of adapting to conditions rather than sticking to preconceived notions.
The series also exposed the struggles of senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who failed to deliver when the team needed them most. Kohli scored just 190 runs in eight innings at an average of 23.75, while Rohit managed only 31 runs in three Tests. Harbhajan argued that no player should be above the game and advocated for senior players to participate in county cricket as preparation for the England series. He underscored the need for selectors to prioritize recent performances over reputation to ensure the team is competitive.
Overall, the series defeat and Harbhajan’s criticism have sparked a broader discussion on India’s approach to Test cricket, with calls for accountability, adaptability, and better preparation for challenging tours.
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