Brett Lee Recalls 'Hated' Bowling to Harbhajan Singh's Sledging Antics

Brett Lee Recalls ‘Hated’ Bowling to Harbhajan Singh’s Sledging Antics

Brett Lee, the legendary Australian fast bowler, has opened up about his intense on-field rivalry with former India spinner Harbhajan Singh. Lee revealed that he “hated” bowling to Harbhajan due to his constant sledging and bizarre antics.

Harbhajan’s tactics included incessant chatter, hopping around the crease, and even mocking Lee’s pace. “He would sledge and he would hop in and going after me ‘You’re quick’. I could never get him; I was always exhausted,” Lee recalled on the LiSTNR Sport podcast.

Lee acknowledged that sledging was common in cricket, but Harbhajan’s antics were particularly effective in disrupting his rhythm. “He used to annoy the hell out of me,” Lee admitted. “He is an absolute legend of a bloke, but he used to frustrate the sh out of me when I bowled to him.”

Lee believes that the 2001 Test series, where India famously defeated Australia, was a turning point for Indian cricket. “It was them saying ‘We can match Australia. Not just match; we can beat them’,” Lee said.

Since then, Indian players have become increasingly aggressive on the field, matching the intensity of their Australian counterparts. Lee praised Virat Kohli’s leadership and MS Dhoni’s quiet but determined approach.

“I love the way Kohli plays. He is such a good player… with that aggression,” Lee said. “And you’ve got different guys like back in the day, MS Dhoni… didn’t say anything. Just did what he had to do and wouldn’t back down.”

Lee’s comments highlight the fierce rivalry between Australia and India, which has produced some of the most memorable moments in cricket history. Despite the on-field battles, Lee holds Harbhajan in high regard, recognizing his skill and the impact he had on the game.

India's Spin-Friendly Pitches Backfire in Historic Test Series Defeat to New Zealand

India’s Spin-Friendly Pitches Backfire in Historic Test Series Defeat to New Zealand

India’s humiliating 0-3 Test series defeat to New Zealand has sparked a wave of introspection and criticism, with former spinner Harbhajan Singh expressing his disappointment and pointing out the pitfalls of over-preparing spin-friendly pitches.

Harbhajan, who played 103 Tests for India, believes that the pitches in the recent series were excessively spin-friendly, which backfired against the Kiwis. “The conditions here were offering a lot of turn—Gaddha khoda toh tha lekin gir khud gaaye (we dug a pit for others, but we ended up falling into it ourselves),” he quipped.

The former spinner emphasized the importance of accountability, stating that both the captain and the team share responsibility for the defeat. He believes that while India aimed to create challenging conditions for New Zealand, the approach ultimately favored the visitors’ bowling attack, particularly left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel.

Patel’s six wickets in the final Test sealed a thrilling 25-run win for New Zealand, dismantling India’s batting lineup and securing the historic 3-0 sweep. Harbhajan believes that India could have won the series on standard pitches, potentially with a 2-0 or 2-1 margin.

“Test cricket means that a match should ideally go on for five days and the better team should emerge victorious. I think the conditions should not be tampered with too much. If you want to play good cricket, then you have to play on a good wicket,” Harbhajan said.

The series defeat has raised questions about India’s pitch preparation strategy and the need for a more balanced approach. Harbhajan’s comments highlight the importance of creating pitches that challenge both batsmen and bowlers, allowing for a fair contest and a more entertaining spectacle for fans.

Harbhajan Singh: Indian Cricket Transition Inevitable, Replacements Will Emerge

Harbhajan Singh: Indian Cricket Transition Inevitable, Replacements Will Emerge

Harbhajan Singh: Transition in Indian Cricket Inevitable, Replacements Will Emerge

Former Indian cricket spinner Harbhajan Singh has witnessed firsthand the transition in Indian cricket between 2011-2013, when stalwarts like Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and VVS Laxman retired. He believes that age, fitness, and form are crucial factors in player selection, but questions arise when players start losing their edge.

“Age is a factor for some in this team, but Virat and Jaddu are extremely fit guys,” Singh said. “Yes, age, fitness, and form are criteria, but the questions crop up once you start losing. The onus obviously comes on seniors in the team.”

However, Singh strongly refutes the notion that certain players cannot be replaced. “Who says you can’t get replacements? You got replacements in the past, and you will get them in the future,” he asserted. “The game will move on, and we will get replacements.”

Singh emphasized the abundance of talent in domestic cricket, citing the examples of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Sarfaraz Khan. “It is about getting the right opportunities at the right time,” he said. “If you get a chance at the right time, you can become Virat Kohli, or else you could be Amol Mujumdar or Amarjeet Kaypee.”

Singh believes that it took Virat Kohli 15 years to become the player he is today. “So you need to look at the talent and maybe have an idea that, yes, this boy, if persisted with, can become a match-winner for a decade,” he said.

While Singh does not anticipate an immediate transition, he believes that the upcoming Australia series will be a “make or break” for many players in the team. “This Australia series will be a make or break for many in the team,” he concluded.

India's Star Batters' Confidence Plummets on Rank Turners

India’s Star Batters’ Confidence Plummets on Rank Turners

India’s star batters have suffered a significant decline in confidence due to the excessive use of rank turners in home matches, according to former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh. This has adversely affected their home averages and overall careers.

Harbhajan cited Ajinkya Rahane as a prime example, highlighting that his career has been hindered by these challenging surfaces. In the recent Test series against New Zealand, India lost on a Pune turner after managing only 156 and 245 runs, with New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner taking 13 wickets.

Harbhajan questioned the Indian team’s strategy of relying heavily on turners, arguing that it has proven counterproductive. He pointed out that batters have lost confidence playing on these tracks, as they are unable to predict the ball’s behavior.

“Our batters have lost a lot of confidence playing on these tracks. The biggest example is Ajinkya Rahane, a fine player. His career suffered because of these kind of surfaces,” Harbhajan emphasized.

He further explained that batters lose confidence when they are unsure whether to attack or defend on pitches where the ball turns excessively. This has led to a decline in their performance, even in overseas matches where the conditions are more favorable.

Harbhajan also criticized the Indian team management’s preference for bowlers who are accurate but lack the ability to turn the ball on flat decks. He suggested that bowlers like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, who possess exceptional spin skills, should be utilized more effectively.

Despite the challenges, Harbhajan believes that India has the talent to produce replacements for its aging players. He emphasized the importance of providing opportunities to young players at the right time, citing the examples of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

“The game will move on and we will get replacements,” Harbhajan asserted. “It is about getting right opportunities at right time.”

However, he acknowledged that the upcoming Australia series and the World Test Championship final will be crucial for many players in the team.

Rohit Sharma's MI Future Uncertain Ahead of IPL Mega Auction

Rohit Sharma’s MI Future Uncertain Ahead of IPL Mega Auction

The Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction is fast approaching, and the future of Mumbai Indians (MI) legend Rohit Sharma with the franchise remains uncertain. With the BCCI allowing teams to retain up to six players, including Right-To-Match (RTM), tough decisions lie ahead for MI.

Rohit’s retention status is unclear, with speculation rife that the six-time IPL winner could enter the upcoming mega auction. Last season, MI sacked Rohit as captain, appointing Hardik Pandya in his place. The decision to remove Rohit as captain was met with criticism from fans, and MI ultimately finished last in the 10-team points table.

Amid the ongoing discussions, former India and MI spinner Harbhajan Singh has weighed in on the possibility of Rohit entering the IPL auction. Harbhajan believes it would be “fascinating” to see how many teams bid for Rohit if he does enter the auction.

“It will be interesting to see whether he will be retained or not. If he goes into the auction pool, it will be fascinating to see which team bids for him. I’m sure many teams must be thinking along those lines,” Harbhajan said.

Harbhajan also praised Rohit’s leadership qualities and batting prowess, emphasizing that the 37-year-old can still command a lucrative contract if he enters the auction.

“Rohit Sharma, as a leader and a player, is amazing. He’s a top-quality player, top-quality captain, and leader. He’s a proven match-winner. Even at 37, he still has a lot of cricket left in him. If Rohit enters the auction, he will fetch big bucks. It will be exciting to see the auction unfold,” he added.

IPL franchises can now retain six players from their existing squad, either through retention or RTM. The combination of retentions and RTMs can include a maximum of five capped players (Indian and overseas) and two uncapped players.

Rohit Sharma's IPL Future Uncertain, Harbhajan Predicts Bidding War

Rohit Sharma’s IPL Future Uncertain, Harbhajan Predicts Bidding War

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its 2025 mega auction, and all eyes are on Mumbai Indians (MI) as they finalize their retentions. Former MI captain Rohit Sharma’s future with the franchise is uncertain, and his potential availability in the auction pool has sparked speculation.

Harbhajan Singh, Rohit’s former India and MI teammate, believes that the veteran opener would command a hefty price if he enters the auction. “Rohit Sharma is a top-quality player and leader. He’s a proven match-winner, and even at 37, he still has a lot of cricket left in him,” said Harbhajan. “If he goes into the auction, he will fetch big bucks.”

Harbhajan also praised Rohit’s off-field qualities, describing him as a “yaaro ka yaar” (friend of friends). “Rohit respects his elders, and that’s one of his best qualities,” he added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed confidence that the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan, with all teams, including India, participating. However, Harbhajan has raised safety concerns, stating that Indian players should not travel to Pakistan.

“There are significant safety concerns in Pakistan,” said Harbhajan. “I’ve always said, and I still believe, that if there’s no guarantee of safety, our players shouldn’t travel to Pakistan.”

Harbhajan also commended Jay Shah for his contributions to Indian cricket. “Having an Indian representative at the ICC level, especially as the chairman, is a huge achievement,” he said. “Under Jay Shah’s leadership, there have been many changes in Team India. Women’s cricket, in particular, has received a financial boost thanks to his efforts.”

Harbhajan Singh's Cryptic Post Leaves Internet Confused

Harbhajan Singh’s Cryptic Post Leaves Internet Confused

Former Indian cricket team spinner Harbhajan Singh has sparked confusion and speculation with a cryptic post on social media. On October 8, 2024, Singh took to Twitter to write, “Nowadays, some ants are teaching bees how to make honey.”

The enigmatic message has left the internet baffled, with many trying to decipher its meaning. Some have suggested that it is a reference to another cricketer, while others have speculated about a political connection, as the post coincided with the Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir election results.

Singh’s post comes after he shared his thoughts on the thrilling IPL 2024 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). RCB emerged victorious, securing a spot in the playoffs.

In a recent interview with Sports Yaari, Singh revealed an incident that occurred after the match. He claimed that CSK legend MS Dhoni lost his composure and punched a screen while walking back to the dressing room.

“RCB was celebrating and they deserved to celebrate because of the way they won. I was watching the whole scene from above because I was present there. RCB was celebrating and CSK had lined up to shake hands, RCB were a little late to reach CSK. By the time Team RCB finished their celebration, (Dhoni) went inside and he punched a screen outside the dressing room. I was watching from above but it is okay that every player has his own emotions, it happens,” Singh said.

Singh’s cryptic post and the revelation about Dhoni’s reaction have further fueled speculation and discussion among cricket fans. The true meaning behind the message remains unknown, but it has certainly sparked a buzz on social media.

Rohit Sharma's Leadership Praised, Harbhajan Reminds of Virat Kohli's Legacy

Rohit Sharma’s Leadership Praised, Harbhajan Reminds of Virat Kohli’s Legacy

Team India’s emphatic victory over Bangladesh in the second Test has sparked widespread praise for skipper Rohit Sharma’s leadership. Under his guidance, the Indian team displayed an aggressive approach and unwavering determination to secure a positive outcome.

Rohit’s leadership has been lauded for its attacking mindset, which has instilled a sense of confidence and purpose within the team. India’s dominant performance in Kanpur not only resulted in a resounding victory but also sent a clear message to the cricketing world.

While Rohit’s leadership has garnered significant attention, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has emphasized the legacy of Virat Kohli’s captaincy. Harbhajan believes that Kohli’s leadership style brought about a transformative shift in Indian cricket.

“Kohli’s captaincy may not have yielded a World Cup victory, but that doesn’t diminish his stature as a captain or player,” Harbhajan stated. He highlighted Kohli’s bold approach, exemplified by India’s willingness to chase down a daunting target of 400 in the fourth innings of a Test in Australia.

Harbhajan praised Kohli’s ability to ignite a fire within the team, instilling a belief that they could overcome any challenge. He credited Kohli for fostering a mindset that has been evident in the performances of young players like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant.

“The determination to fight till the end, which Shubman and Rishabh displayed to win the Test in Gabba, was a testament to the change in the team’s thinking,” Harbhajan concluded.

Despite India’s lack of ICC titles under Kohli’s captaincy, Harbhajan remains positive about his leadership style. He believes that Kohli’s legacy lies in the transformation he brought to the Indian team, which has been carried forward by Rohit Sharma and the current generation of players.

Rohit Sharma Retires from T20Is, Harbhajan Prefers His Captaincy Style

Rohit Sharma Retires from T20Is, Harbhajan Prefers His Captaincy Style

Rohit Sharma, the enigmatic Indian captain, bid farewell to the T20I format after India’s triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign. The historic victory marked the end of an era for the Indian cricket team, as three senior players, Virat Kohli, Rohit, and Ravindra Jadeja, retired from the shortest format.

Rohit’s decision to step down from T20Is signaled the beginning of a transition phase for Indian cricket. However, the veteran batsman remains a formidable force in Tests and ODIs, with his sights set on next year’s ICC Champions Trophy and the World Test Championship final.

Despite his absence from T20Is, Rohit continues to be missed by fans. A recent video went viral on social media, capturing a fan expressing their longing for Rohit’s presence in the format. Rohit’s response, “Bas ho gaya yaar,” hinted at his contentment with his decision to retire from T20Is.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh recently weighed in on the debate between MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma’s captaincy styles. Harbhajan preferred Rohit’s approach, citing his ability to connect with his teammates and empower them, particularly the bowlers.

“Rohit is people’s captain. He goes up to the people and asks them what they want. His teammates connect with him very well,” Harbhajan said.

While Dhoni is widely regarded as one of the greatest leaders in cricket history, Rohit has earned a reputation as a players’ captain, known for his freedom and support for his team.

“The better captain is the one who makes you fight for victory. For me, what Dhoni has done as captain, Rohit has also done it. He is no lesser than anyone,” Harbhajan added.

Rohit’s T20I career culminated with India’s World Cup triumph in 2024. Suryakumar Yadav was subsequently appointed as the captain of the T20I side, while Rohit continues to lead India in ODIs and Tests.

Recently, Rohit-led India registered a 2-0 clean sweep over Bangladesh in a two-match ODI series. The victories extended India’s dominance in the format and further cemented Rohit’s status as a successful captain.

Harbhajan Singh Questions BCCI's Decision to Snub Hardik Pandya for T20I Captaincy

Harbhajan Singh Questions BCCI’s Decision to Snub Hardik Pandya for T20I Captaincy

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed his surprise and disappointment over the BCCI’s decision to overlook Hardik Pandya as captain of the T20I team. Pandya was widely expected to take over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma, who recently retired from the format. However, the BCCI opted to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as the new skipper.

Harbhajan believes that Pandya’s experience and leadership qualities made him the ideal candidate for the captaincy. “He was your vice-captain…when Rohit Sharma is not the captain, your vice-captain becomes the captain,” Harbhajan told Sports Yaari. “But if you tell him on fitness ground that you will not be the captain – there’s no T20I cricket round the year.”

Harbhajan added that losing the captaincy must have been a significant setback for Pandya. “He came after winning the T20 World Cup and suddenly, it’s a big setback for him. It’s not right,” he said. “I have great respect for Suryakumar Yadav. Phenomenal player, great guy…very selfless. Even he wouldn’t have thought that this would happen.”

The BCCI’s decision has also raised questions about Pandya’s fitness. The all-rounder has been struggling with injuries in recent months, and there are concerns that he may not be able to handle the rigors of captaincy.

However, Harbhajan believes that Pandya’s fitness is not a major issue. “He’s a young guy, he’s fit,” Harbhajan said. “He’s been playing for India for a long time now. He knows how to manage his body.”

The BCCI has named a 15-man squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, with Yadav leading the team. The matches will be played on October 6 (Gwalior), October 9 (New Delhi), and October 12 (Hyderabad).

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