India’s Spin Prowess: Harbhajan Singh Raises Concerns About Pitch Conditions
After a prolonged period of limited-overs cricket, the Indian cricket team is set to return to the Test arena next month. However, former spin great Harbhajan Singh has expressed concerns about the team’s ability to play spin effectively.
Harbhajan believes that India’s recent focus on preparing pitches that turn excessively has hindered the development of their batters. While the bowlers have thrived in these conditions, the batters have struggled to adapt.
“We’ve started playing on pitches that turn a lot more. We wanted to win and we did win, but we won in two and a half days,” Harbhajan told Sports Tak. “I think, if we had produced normal pitches that started to turn from Day 3 and Day 4, we still would have won, but the batters would have gotten time to settle in.”
Harbhajan emphasized the importance of providing batters with time to adjust to spin-friendly conditions. He believes that the current approach has eroded their confidence.
“We dented the confidence of our batters because anybody can get out (cheaply) on those pitches,” he said. “We still have a chance (to rectify this). If we play on good pitches, I don’t think anyone can beat India.”
Harbhajan also highlighted the need for senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah to participate in domestic tournaments like the Duleep Trophy. He believes their presence would inspire and motivate younger players.
“It would be great if they (Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah) play in the Duleep Trophy 2024,” he said. “When a big player features in these tournaments, it motivates other players who are playing alongside them.”
