Champions Trophy: Harbhajan Singh Expects India To Stick With Four Spinners In Final

March 8, 2025: Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed optimism about India’s prospects in the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand on Sunday. With the final set to take place in front of a packed crowd in Dubai, Harbhajan believes India’s combination of four spinners and the form of key players like Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will help the Men in Blue clinch the coveted title.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the high-stakes clash, Harbhajan shared his hopes that India would continue with the winning combination of four spinners that helped them defeat New Zealand by 44 runs in the final group-stage game. “We all want India to bring the trophy home,” Harbhajan said, reflecting the sentiments of fans and players alike, as India looks to win the title they last lifted in 2013.

In that victorious group-stage match, India opted to field four spinners for the first time in the tournament, and the strategy proved successful. Harbhajan expects the team to stick with Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav in the final, stating, “I think India will go with four spinners and I don’t think there will be any change in the team, and I hope that the result will also be the same in India’s favour.”

While the spinners have been pivotal to India’s success, Harbhajan also emphasized the importance of the batting line-up delivering big knocks. He highlighted the need for captain Rohit Sharma to continue his aggressive approach, even though he has scored 104 runs in four matches, with an average of 26.00 and a strike rate of 133.33. Rohit’s early fireworks in the tournament have shown his potential, and Harbhajan hopes he can build on that form in the final.

Shubman Gill, who started the tournament with a century against Bangladesh and a solid 46 against Pakistan, has faced some struggles in the latter part of the competition. Harbhajan remains hopeful that Gill will find his rhythm again and contribute to India’s victory. “The team is settled, and I hope Rohit and Shubman score runs. India winning is the important thing,” Harbhajan said, as the focus remains firmly on India lifting the trophy.

As both teams prepare for what promises to be an epic final, Harbhajan’s optimism reflects the belief that India has the right blend of skills and experience to secure their third Champions Trophy title.