Cricket

India's T20 World Cup Squad: Harbhajan Singh Raises ConcernsFormer Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed his thoughts on India's squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024. While acknowledging the team's overall strength, he raised concerns about the absence of middle-order batter Rinku Singh and the inclusion of four spinners.Singh believes that Rinku, known for his explosive batting, could have been a valuable asset to the team. He highlighted Rinku's ability to chase down large totals quickly, making him a potential game-changer.Regarding the spin department, Harbhajan suggested that three spinners would have been sufficient. He expressed doubts about India fielding four spinners in any given match, predicting that Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal would be the most likely combination.Harbhajan also discussed the upcoming Super Eight phase of the tournament, where India will face formidable opponents like Australia and New Zealand. He emphasized the importance of the group stage clash with Pakistan on June 9, stating that a victory could set the momentum for India.While acknowledging Rishabh Pant's strong performance upon his return from injury, Harbhajan advocated for Sanju Samson to be given a chance. He praised Samson's consistent performances and improved batting average.

Sunrisers Hyderabad's (SRH) remarkable success in IPL 2024 can be largely attributed to the exceptional performance of their opening pair, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. Abhishek, in particular, has emerged as a formidable force, impressing legendary Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh with his aggressive batting style.In SRH's final league-stage match against Punjab Kings, Abhishek smashed his third half-century of the season, scoring a blistering 66 off 28 balls. His innings included five fours and six sixes, providing SRH with the quick start they needed after Head's early dismissal.Abhishek's consistent performances throughout the season have earned him high praise from Harbhajan, who believes he is on the verge of breaking into the Indian team. "He is not just knocking at the Indian team's door but almost breaking it open," said Harbhajan.Abhishek's impressive batting average of 467 runs in 13 innings, with a strike rate of 209.41, is a testament to his dominance. He has also hit a season-high 41 sixes, showcasing his power-hitting abilities."The kind of batting he has done in this entire season, I don't think any other youngster has played this well," added Harbhajan. "He has dominated with the bat. He hasn't bowled yet, which he is quite good at as well. He is a good allrounder."Abhishek's journey began with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2018, when he was just 17 years old. He also represented India's Under-19 team that won the U-19 World Cup in New Zealand the same year. In 2019, he joined the Sunrisers.One of Abhishek's most memorable performances this season was his 16-ball fifty against Mumbai Indians, the fastest ever by an SRH batsman. This innings played a crucial role in SRH's record-breaking 277-run total, the highest in IPL history."He was unhappy today because he had a hundred there on a platter. He missed it," said Harbhajan. "But the knocks he has played (so far this season), those have been impactful. He was a youngster when he made his Ranji debut for Punjab under me. I am so happy to see his progress, the way he has enhanced his performance. He is around that door to the Indian team now, one day he will enter it."

IPL Scheduling and T20 World Cup Preparation: Harbhajan and Kumble Offer Contrasting ViewsFormer India spinner Harbhajan Singh has raised concerns over the scheduling of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in relation to the upcoming T20 World Cup. Singh believes that the BCCI's scheduling is flawed, as the IPL final concludes just a week before the start of the World Cup. He emphasizes the need for Indian players to have at least 4-5 practice games before their opening match against Ireland on June 5.However, former India captain Anil Kumble holds a different perspective. While acknowledging that more practice games would be beneficial, Kumble believes that the two warm-up matches scheduled for the Indian team are sufficient. He points out that playing 16-17 IPL games provides ample preparation for the World Cup.Singh argues that the IPL is the ideal platform for Indian players to prepare for the World Cup. He believes that players who are not involved in the IPL playoffs will have ample time to prepare, while those who reach the playoffs will leave immediately after the tournament.Kumble, on the other hand, suggests that some Indian players may leave the IPL before the final if their teams are eliminated from the playoffs. He emphasizes that the IPL provides a high-pressure environment that simulates the intensity of the World Cup.Both Singh and Kumble agree that the IPL is a valuable preparation tool for the T20 World Cup. However, they differ on the optimal number of practice games required before the tournament. Singh advocates for a longer preparation period, while Kumble believes that the current schedule is adequate.

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) nearing its conclusion, Indian cricketers are set to shift gears and start preparations for the T20 World Cup 2024. With Rohit Sharma leading the side, the Indian team would hope to go all the way in the marquee event, unlike the ODI World Cup last year where a defeat in the final against Australia ended the big dream.While Team India has the star power in all departments of the game, former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has urged the team to play as a unit, putting 'we' in front of 'I'. In a chat on Star Sports, Harbhajan Singh recalled how senior players rallied around MS Dhoni during the ICC World T20 in 2007, giving him ample support and guidance to succeed as a unit."Not many people know, Dhoni was a very new captain, so he needed that support from all of us. Before matches against teams like Australia, New Zealand, and England, our core group would get together during the game to strategize for the next few overs. For example, in a match against Australia, I bowled the crucial 17th or 18th overs because if we managed to give away only 4 runs, it saved us a lot," said Harbhajan."Back then, batters didn't score 25 runs in an over unlike today. The decision-making was always a team effort. When you play together as a united team, you win more competitions. Dhoni was a great listener, taking collective decisions that benefited the team. It was never about individual performances but about playing as 'we'," he added.Harbhajan asked if the Indian team, under Rohit Sharma, could do something similar and achieve collective success. "Similarly, the question now is, can Rohit Sharma do it? Rohit is not alone; it's about 'we'. If we play as a united team, thinking about collective success rather than individual achievements, then we can win. But if we only focus on personal goals, things become difficult. It's all about the 'we' mentality, and that's when things come to life," said Bhajji.

Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has shed light on the leadership qualities of MS Dhoni that led India to victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007.Dhoni's ability to involve his team members in decision-making was crucial to India's success. "Before matches against teams like Australia, New Zealand, and England, our core group would get together during the game to strategize for the next few overs," Harbhajan revealed.In the nail-biting final against Pakistan, Dhoni's decision to give the crucial 19th over to Harbhajan proved decisive. Harbhajan conceded only seven runs and took the wicket of Umar Gul, setting the stage for Joginder Sharma to seal the victory in the final over.Harbhajan emphasized the importance of collective leadership and team unity. "When you play together as a united team, you win more competitions. Dhoni was a great listener, taking collective decisions that benefited the team. It was never about individual performances but about playing as 'we'," he said.Harbhajan believes that Rohit Sharma, India's current captain, can emulate Dhoni's success by fostering a similar team environment. "If we play as a united team, thinking about collective success rather than individual achievements, then we can win," he said.The upcoming T20 World Cup in New York on June 9 will provide another opportunity for India and Pakistan to showcase their rivalry. Harbhajan's insights into Dhoni's leadership provide valuable lessons for Rohit Sharma and the Indian team as they prepare for the tournament.

Yuzvendra Chahal's Exceptional Spin Bowling Propels Rajasthan Royals to PlayoffsFormer Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has hailed Yuzvendra Chahal's exceptional spin bowling prowess, which has played a pivotal role in Rajasthan Royals' qualification for the Indian Premier League playoffs.Chahal's unique approach sets him apart from his peers, according to Harbhajan. "He's the only bowler who's bowling like a spinner. I should say, a spinner who is bowling like a spinner," Harbhajan remarked.Chahal's ability to impart flight, variation, and tactical acumen is unmatched. "Spinning the ball, he's got that flight, he's got that variation, and he's using it very wisely," Harbhajan noted. "When I look at him bowling and look at other spinners, there's a vast difference."Harbhajan emphasized the importance of a wicket-taking mindset in Chahal's success. "You have to think that I'm going to get you out. That's what Yuzvendra Chahal is doing," he affirmed.While acknowledging the achievements of established spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav, Harbhajan drew attention to the contrast with spinners who appear content with containment rather than actively seeking wickets.Chahal's exceptional spin bowling skills have been instrumental in Rajasthan Royals' success this season. The team has already secured its playoff spot and will play its last two league games in Guwahati.

With the T20 World Cup 2024 fast approaching, England players have begun withdrawing from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 to fulfill international commitments. However, Indian players face a unique challenge as the IPL final coincides with the tournament's start date, leaving them with limited time for collective preparation.Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed concern over the lack of preparation time for Team India. He believes the IPL scheduling has hindered the team's ability to play warm-up matches and acclimatize to the conditions in the United States, where the World Cup will be held."With this IPL scheduling, it is difficult to have everyone together to play a few matches," Singh said. "We have two games in America before the tournament starts, but that's not enough."Singh emphasized the importance of having 4-5 warm-up games before the tournament to build team cohesion and adjust to the conditions. He also suggested a 10-15 day gap between the IPL and major ICC events like the World Test Championship or World Cups to allow for adequate preparation."When you are playing a tournament like the World Cup or WTC, the team should play together for 10-15 days," Singh said. "It will be better for the team's performance."The IPL's scheduling has been a topic of debate in recent years, with some arguing that it conflicts with international commitments and hinders the preparation of national teams. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has defended the IPL's timing, citing its popularity and financial benefits.However, with the T20 World Cup being one of the most prestigious events in cricket, the issue of preparation time for the host nation is likely to remain a topic of discussion.

Kolkata Knight Riders Secure Top-Two Finish in IPL 2024 PlayoffsKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have secured a top-two finish in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs after a washed-out game against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Monday. The result means that KKR will now have an advantage going into the playoffs, as they have qualified for Qualifier 1 and have a chance to directly qualify for the final.KKR have been the team to beat this season under the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir. They currently have 9 wins and only three defeats in 13 matches, and have outplayed and outsmarted their opponents. Gambhir's influence on the team has been significant, and former spinner Harbhajan Singh lauded his impact on the team's performance."KKR is a great unit," said Harbhajan on Star Sports. "It's not just the presence of Gautam Gambhir or Shah Rukh Khan's. They both have great friendship but their dressing room has looked really secure this season. That's what a mentor does. A good mentor when he goes to any camp, he makes sure that everyone is on one page. When they play together, they look like an unbeaten team. So, Gambhir being there, he must have done one thing for sure that everyone is equal and will play together whether we win or lose, will stay humble."KKR currently sit at the top of the table, and a top-two finish means they now have an advantage going into the playoffs. Featuring in Qualifier 1 means that KKR have a chance to directly qualify for the final. On Monday, KKR qualified for Qualifier 1 after 10 years.

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has advocated for the reinstatement of Virat Kohli as the captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for the upcoming seasons. Harbhajan believes that Kohli's leadership qualities, coupled with his exceptional performance on the field, make him the ideal candidate to lead the team forward.Kohli, who is currently the leading run-scorer in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), has amassed 661 runs from 13 innings at an impressive strike rate of 155.16. Despite RCB's fifth position in the table with 12 points, they remain in contention for the playoffs.Harbhajan's endorsement of Kohli's leadership stems from his belief that Kohli possesses the perfect blend of intent, commitment, and aggression to lead the team. He also highlighted Kohli's ability to inspire his teammates and create a positive team environment."If they don't qualify, they should look to get some Indian guy. Why not bring Virat Kohli back as captain. As Dhoni has a lot of impact in Chennai, Virat Kohli is a big leader, he knows the kind of cricket they need to play," Harbhajan said in the latest episode of the Star Sports' Press Room.Harbhajan also expressed his concern over the recent outburst of Lucknow Super Giants team owner Sajeev Goenka towards skipper KL Rahul following the team's 10-wicket defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He believes that such incidents can be detrimental to the team environment and disrupt team morale."There can be differences between captain and the management but the talks should be behind doors which is better for everyone. The talks should have been inside the dressing room. Whatever talks are going on, it is not good for the team's atmosphere," he said.Harbhajan cited the example of Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shah Rukh Khan, who he praised for his hands-off approach to cricket matters. He believes that Khan's approach has created a secure and positive dressing room environment, which has contributed to the team's success.Harbhajan also commented on the change of captaincy in Mumbai Indians, which he believes did not augur well for the team. He highlighted the importance of collective performance and expressed his belief that the team did not play well as a unit under Hardik Pandya's captaincy."Cricket is a team game, we win together we lose together, not a single individual can win you a tournament. You have to do well collectively and that didn't happen. Of course, there were a lot of issues with captaincy change, we heard people were not willing to accept Hardik Pandya as captain," he said.Harbhajan also praised leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal's performance in the ongoing IPL, highlighting his ability to spin the ball, control flight, and use variations effectively. He also emphasized the significance of Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the Chennai Super Kings side, citing his ability to deliver when it matters most.