Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh believes the Men in Blue would use three spinners against England in the 2023 World Cup since the defending champions are not regarded to be excellent slow bowlers. If the pitch for the match against England is predicted to change, Harbhajan Singh has advised the Indian management to rest Mohammed Siraj and put in off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
On Sunday, October 29, India and England will face off at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Currently, the Men in Blue remain unbeaten in the competition.
Looking ahead to the contest, Harbhajan mentioned on his YouTube channel that he anticipates minimal changes in the Indian playing XI. However, he suggests considering Ashwin as a potential substitute for one of the pacers.
“Kuldeep Yadav’s form has been good, but I wonder if we will get to see three spinners play in the next game – Kuldeep, [Ravindra] Jadeja and Ashwin. It could be a possibility since England do not play spin well. As it is, England are not playing well in the World Cup, and if the ball starts spinning, I don’t think they will be able to do much better. Playing three spinners might not be a bad option.”
Harbhajan Singh
The former cricketer went on to say who Ashwin may replace in the Indian playing XI:
“Siraj can be rested. He has played back-to-back games. Shami has just come into the playing XI and has claimed a five-fer.”
Harbhajan Singh
The 43-year-old, however, confessed that the combination will be determined by the surface in Lucknow and how much it is predicted to aid spin bowlers.
“If a pitch is a normal one and is not expected to offer a lot of turn, then I do not see too many changes in the team. The team that played against New Zealand might be retained. However, India is playing England, so they might want a slow pitch.”
Harbhajan Singh
“India deserve the rest” – Harbhajan Singh
After defeating New Zealand on October 22, Team India had a day off and went on a trip in Dharamsala. The Men in Blue, according to Harbhajan, deserve to rest after playing some wonderful cricket in the World Cup thus far.
“India deserve the rest because they have played really well, winning five out of five matches. Be it Pakistan or Australia, India have been in great form. From Virat Kohli to Rohit Sharma, everyone has looked good. In the bowling, Shami came in and claimed five wickets. Big players are those that perform in big tournaments.”
Harbhajan Singh
Following the game against England, India will face Sri Lanka on November 2 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.