“Next Best Run-Scorer Is Ashwin..” – Harbhajan Singh Takes A Dig At Indian Batters

Harbhajan Singh Speaks On The Inexperienced Indian Batting Line Up VS ENG – England orchestrated a remarkable comeback in the first Test against India in Hyderabad, clinching a historic victory. Ollie Pope’s brilliant innings of 196 in the second innings played a pivotal role in England’s resurgence. Adding to the heroics, Tom Hartley’s exceptional 7-wicket haul in the second innings left the Indian batting lineup in disarray. Despite India’s formidable efforts, they succumbed to the pressure, ultimately losing the game by a margin of 28 runs. This triumph sets an electrifying tone for the rest of the five-match Test series, leaving fans eager for more thrilling encounters.

As India gears up for the second Test, their challenges intensify with the absence of key players. Virat Kohli’s continued unavailability, coupled with the injury-induced omissions of KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, reshapes the team dynamics. The inclusion of Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, and Washington Sundar aims to bolster the squad’s depth. However, the expected playing XI signals a batting order marked by relative Test inexperience, featuring talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and either Sarfaraz Khan or Rajat Patidar. The team faces a formidable task, relying on emerging talents to step up and fill the void left by the seasoned absentees in a crucial encounter.

In response to the BCCI‘s squad announcement on Monday, January 29, Harbhajan Singh expressed his views on India’s team composition for the upcoming Test match. Harbhajan noted that while the team appears decent, it lacks overall experience. He highlighted Rohit Sharma as a key player, acknowledging his presence, but expressed concern about the limited experience in the batting lineup. Harbhajan specifically pointed out that after Rohit Sharma, the next best run-scorer is Ashwin, indicating a potential vulnerability in the batting department.

IND vs ENG: Harbhajan Singh On The Inexperienced Indian Batting Line Up For The Second Test

"In Terms Of Batting, The Line-Up Looks Weak" Harbhajan Singh On The Inexperienced Indian Batting Line Up For The Second Test

Furthermore, Harbhajan speculated about the playing conditions, suggesting that the team might encounter turning tracks in the upcoming matches. He based this assumption on the inclusion of spinners like Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Ashwin, and Axar Patel in the squad. Harbhajan’s analysis emphasizes the need for a more robust batting lineup, especially in conditions favoring spin bowling.

“The team looks decent, but lacks experience. Yes, there is Rohit Sharma, but the next best run-scorer is Ashwin. In terms of batting, the line-up looks weak. And if they play on a turning track, which I feel they will because they have added Washington Sundar while having Kuldeep Yadav, Ashwin and Axar Patel,” Harbhajan Singh said.

IND vs ENG: Indian squad for the 2nd Test

Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Avesh Khan, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Washington Sundar, Sourabh Kumar.