Yuzvendra Chahal and Arshdeep Singh, according to former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, both ought to have been included in the 15-person roster for the 2018 ODI World Cup.
The Indian team that was revealed by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee on Tuesday did not include Chahal and Arshdeep.
“I believe that this squad is lacking two players. First and foremost, Yuzvendra Chahal, and then Arshdeep Singh,” Harbhajan remarked during a Star Sports-sponsored virtual news conference.
According to Harbhajan, Arshdeep’s ability to bend the ball back to the right-handers makes him crucial. “A left-arm seamer becomes effective in the game if he can bring the fresh ball in.
“A left-arm seamer can get an actual angle to get the wicket,” he remarked, “but he can get two wickets early in the game, and I’m not saying that right-armers can’t do that.”
The former Indian great continued to support his position by using the cases of Mitchell Starc of Australia and Shaheen Afridi of Pakistan. “You can see how Mitchell Starc or Shaheen Shah Afridi have a significant effect on the game.
“Mitchell Starc had a significant influence on the games when Australia won the World Cup; he dismissed Brendon McCullum with the opening ball. It’s usually difficult to catch a ball that fast going towards a right-hander, according to Harbhajan.
Chahal’s presence in the team, in Harbhajan’s opinion, should have been a foregone conclusion. “Chahal is a proven match-winner, someone who has taken more wickets than any other spinner, and I believe he would have been in the starting XI all the time if he were playing for any other nation.
“I believe he belongs on the squad. I would absolutely retain him on the squad if I were in charge. We are all interested parties in Indian cricket and want it to succeed.
These two men might have been really helpful in the World Cup, particularly in situations when they know what to do and how to take wickets, Harbhajan said. Therefore, I think these two men missed it just by being in India.
He said that he was astonished that the roster was devoid of right-arm spinners. “We’ve selected two left-arm spinners, but they won’t ever take the field together. Axar won’t play the day Ravindra Jadeja does.
And it’s also feasible that Jadeja won’t bowl if the opponent has a lot of left-handers. You need a bowler who can get the ball away from the left-arm bats on that particular day.
Therefore, Chahal and Arshdeep need to have been on the squad, but it’s unclear who should have taken their position.
“When choosing three spinners, it should have included a left-arm spinner along with an off-spinner or leg-spinner. But I’m surprised that you chose to take two left-armers instead of a leg-spinner or an off-spinner, said Harbhajan.
Suryakumar Yadav, according to the great Indian bowler, is the X-factor in India’s squad for the 2018 World Cup and is currently the most significant middle-order batsman in the country.
The top T20I hitter in the world, Suryakumar, kept his position in the 15-person WC team despite a poor start to his ODI career.
“Suryakumar is the whole shebang. I don’t believe there is a better player in India in the position where he bats than him. Even Virat (Kohli), Rohit (Sharma), or Sanju (Samson) cannot match what he can do at No. 5 or 6, according to Harbhajan.
Suryakumar, who is renowned for his all-around hitting prowess, is having a tough time right now as he has gone 18 innings without recording a half-century.
“Many would wonder what he accomplished in ODIs? But his contribution to T20s is sufficient. The 43-year-old added that if he plays one important inning, it will make a difference.
“Surya is the best at finding the gaps in the field when you start batting after the 35th over, and you need a game where you can do that. Just 30 balls are all he needs to alter the game.
If given the option, I would always make him play. Surya has a skill that cannot be wasted.
The senior duo of Rohit and Virat, according to Harbhajan, would be expected to get the team off to a strong start.
Because Shreyas has just returned from an injury, a lot will rely on Rohit and Virat’s batting. Ishan Kishan presented well. We don’t know whether KL Rahul will participate or not. Like Rohit or Virat, Hardik Pandya will also have a significant part.
“In order to win the Cup, I think they’ll all need to work together and play some incredible cricket. Being honest will be extremely difficult if not.
Harbhajan said there was a 50/50 chance that the highly anticipated India-Pakistan Asia Cup Super 4 match on Sunday would go either way.
“It makes a significant impact when you play together for six to eight months before to any major competition. You are aware of your responsibilities, the standards, and the pace you must keep.
“All these factors are really important leading up to the World Cup, making it simpler. In the past, we had an 80% probability of winning any battle between India and Pakistan. But today, thanks to their established squad (Pakistan), it’s around 50/50.
“It will be a little disadvantage for India, but it will also give them a chance to settle down within the limited period they have. Things start to fall into place once the connection happens, he added.