January 6, 2025: Harbhajan Singh has launched a strong critique of India’s team selection during the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, particularly focusing on the choices made for the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). In a candid video on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan criticized the Indian management for sticking with a spinners-heavy lineup despite the conditions clearly favoring seamers.
The SCG pitch, which had a heavy grass cover, was expected to provide assistance for fast bowlers, yet India chose to include two spinners—Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar—in their playing XI. This decision drew sharp criticism, especially after Jasprit Bumrah was sidelined due to back spasms. With Bumrah unable to bowl, the pressure of defending a modest 162-run target fell squarely on the shoulders of fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. Harbhajan pointed out that the selectors’ stubbornness in relying on historical precedents at the SCG, rather than assessing the pitch conditions, cost India dearly.
He noted that the spinners barely played a role in the game, with Jadeja bowling only three overs and Sundar just one. Harbhajan suggested that the inclusion of spinners was a misguided attempt to strengthen the batting, given that both Jadeja and Sundar are capable lower-order batters. He also questioned the rationale behind selecting two misfiring senior players, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who struggled throughout the series. Harbhajan was particularly critical of their performances, noting that both players failed to deliver when the team needed them the most.
Kohli finished the series with just 190 runs at an average of 23.75, and Rohit managed only 31 runs across three Tests. Harbhajan emphasized that player selection should be based solely on current form and performance rather than reputation. He urged the management to consider whether senior players, like Kohli and Rohit, should be part of the squad for the upcoming England tour unless they played county cricket beforehand to regain form.
“The selection should be based on the performance, whether it’s Virat or Rohit. No player is bigger than the game, even if they think they are superstars in their minds,” Harbhajan stated, making it clear that merit must take precedence over stature in selection decisions. He argued that sticking to senior players without form or proper preparation could hurt India’s chances in the England series, especially when they were facing challenges from rising new talent within the team.
