January 12, 2025: Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh has weighed in on two key decisions facing India ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Firstly, he believes that Axar Patel is ready to step into the role traditionally held by Ravindra Jadeja as the all-rounder for India.
Harbhajan, speaking on his YouTube channel, expressed his preference for Axar over Jadeja, citing the former's recent surge in form and his readiness to fulfill the all-rounder duties that Jadeja has been known for. Harbhajan’s view comes amid speculation that only one of the two all-rounders might make it to the squad for the Champions Trophy, with Axar's current form giving him the edge in Harbhajan's opinion.
Another significant point of discussion was India's wicketkeeping options. With Rishabh Pant recovering from a life-threatening accident that kept him out of action for over a year, the position has seen several players tried out. Sanju Samson, who has risen to prominence in recent months, especially after Rohit Sharma’s retirement from T20Is, is now being considered as a viable option for the Champions Trophy. Harbhajan pointed out that Samson’s impressive performances, particularly his T20I centuries, make him a strong contender for the role. While Pant has traditionally been India's first-choice wicketkeeper, Harbhajan feels it wouldn't be a "big thing" if Samson were picked instead, especially given Pant’s long recovery and recent stint in Australia.
In conclusion, Harbhajan's suggestions highlight the growing competition for spots in India's squad, with both Axar Patel and Sanju Samson emerging as strong candidates for key roles as India prepares for the Champions Trophy.
