(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Harbhajan Singh, the former lndia spinner, has expressed his discontent with the BCCI selectors regarding the recent team announcement for the upcoming tour of South Africa, comprising three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests.
Harbhajan went on to criticize the selectors for what he perceived as an arbitrary decision, suggesting that including Yuzvendra Chahal in the ODI squad was akin to offering him a symbolic gesture rather than a meaningful opportunity in a format deemed less relevant at present. He raised concerns about the selectors signaling a possible sidelining of Chahal from T20Is, given the proximity of the World Cup in 2024.
“There is no Yuzvendra Chahal in T20 format. You kept him in ODIs but not T20Is. They just gave him a lollypop to suck on. We won’t take in the format where you do well but will take for other formats. It’s beyond my understanding,” Harbhajan said as quoted on his YouTube channel.
In addition to Chahal’s situation, Harbhajan addressed the challenging road ahead for seasoned Test specialists Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara. He acknowledged the selectors’ preference for youth over experience but emphasized the importance of open communication with the stalwarts.
“I think the road is tough for a comeback. They have served Indian cricket, and are renowned cricketers. The board should have had a chat with them. They should have been informed why they are not picked and what is a possible path for them in their careers,” he added.
The 43-year-old underscored the difficulty of the South Africa tour, especially for batters, and expressed concern about the absence of Rahane and Pujara. While acknowledging the positive aspect of giving opportunities to youngsters, he questioned whether the selectors had engaged in a dialogue with Rahane, Pujara and fast-bowler Umesh Yadav.
“South Africa tour is not easy. It’s tough for batters. There you won’t have Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. Youth are indeed getting opportunities. It’s a good thing. But I don’t think that selectors had a chat with Rahane, Pujara, or Umesh Yadav because whenever Yadav has played in Tests, he has performed,” Harbhajan concluded.