Champions Trophy: "Mohammed Shami Saab, Bahut Ho Gaya...": Harbhajan Singh Before Semi Final
March 3, 2025: The Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal is set to witness a blockbuster clash between India and Australia, reigniting one of cricket’s most intense rivalries. With both teams being dominant forces in world cricket, stakes are sky-high as the winner moves one step closer to the Champions Trophy title.
Ahead of the much-anticipated showdown, India spin legend Harbhajan Singh has issued a clear tactical plan for India to overcome Australia. He singled out three key areas where Rohit Sharma and his team must focus to secure victory.
🔹 Neutralize the Travis Head Threat
“First thing is, get the fear of Travis Head out of your mind. Try and get Travis Head out. Shami saab, bahut ho gaya Travis Head ka kaam, now don’t let him score runs,” said Harbhajan on Star Sports.
Travis Head has been a nemesis for India, particularly in crucial encounters. His 137-run knock in the 2023 ODI World Cup final played a decisive role in denying India the trophy. Harbhajan emphasized that Mohammed Shami and the bowling unit must dismiss Head early to prevent him from causing further damage.
🔹 Control Australia’s Power-Hitters
Harbhajan warned against the impact of Glenn Maxwell and Josh Inglis, both known for their explosive hitting.
“They deal in sixes and fours. Don’t let them score at a fast pace.”
He urged India to restrict Australia’s middle-order hitters from accelerating the scoring rate, which could prove crucial in a high-pressure knockout game.
🔹 Stick to the Winning Formula
Harbhajan advised India to not overcomplicate things, emphasizing that the team should maintain the same approach that has worked throughout the tournament.
“It’s a knockout game and you don’t need to try too much, just play the way you have played so far.”
India has been dominant throughout the group stage, and Harbhajan believes sticking to their natural game will be key to handling the pressure of a high-stakes semifinal.
Former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly also weighed in on Shami’s importance in the tournament, particularly his fiery five-wicket haul against Pakistan in the CT 2025 opener.
“Injuries happen to anyone. It is part of a fast bowler’s career. He has won so many matches for India with (Jasprit) Bumrah. He is such a fine bowler,” Ganguly told ANI.
Ganguly further backed India’s chances in the semifinal, calling them one of the strongest white-ball teams in world cricket.
“India won the last T20 World Cup (in 2024) and played in the final (of 50-over in 2023). It is a very strong team in white-ball cricket, no matter who is on the opposite side. It has the capability to defeat anyone.”
With Travis Head’s dominance, Australia’s aggressive middle order, and the high-pressure stakes of a knockout game, India will have to execute Harbhajan Singh’s game plan to perfection. The battle between Mohammed Shami & Jasprit Bumrah vs. Australia’s batting lineup will likely determine the outcome of this semifinal showdown.
Can Rohit Sharma & Co. conquer Australia and march into the Champions Trophy 2025 final? The cricketing world eagerly awaits this epic contest!
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