Harbhajan Singh says the BCCI and selectors should be clearer about their choices for the selection process.
Seniors Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are expected to be sidelined from India’s T20I squad as India prepares for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Harbhajan feels that regardless of the choice, the Board and selectors must inform the player beforehand.
In an interview with the Hindustan Times, Harbhajan said:
See, I don’t know what selectors have in their minds and what they want to do but if we don’t win big tournaments like the World Cup, there always is pressure and the senior players bear the brunt of it. We tend to say ‘If the established stars are not able to win, we might as well pick youngsters – we should invest in them’.”
“But as far as Virat is concerned, I don’t think he can be sidelined on the basis of form, Yes, you can of course speak to him and convey that look we are building a young team but whatever they choose to do, it should be conveyed to seniors. They shouldn’t be informed after a decision is made.”
Virat Kohli was in outstanding form in the Asia Cup and he continued in the same spirit at the World Cup, averaging 70 in all three competitions combined.
Despite Kohli’s incredible performance , India failed to qualify for the finals in both tournaments,
This Forced selectors to consider a different approach for the next T20 World Cup.
“We were sidelined first and then got to know through newspapers ” – Harbhajan Singh on the lack of clarity during his playing days
Harbhajan Singh, a former Indian off-spinner, was a pillar of Indian cricket, taking 711 international wickets across formats and assisting India win the T20 World Cup in 2007 and the 50-over World Cup in 2011.
He was also an integral part of three Mumbai Indians title runs and the Chennai Super Kings’ 2018 title victory.
Despite his achievements, Harbhajan Singh has been fired several times during his illustrious career and grieves the lack of clarity in communication during his playing days.
In an interview with the Hindustan Times, Singh stated:
“We were sidelined first and then got to know through newspapers. It shouldn’t happen to Kohli. A player should be given respect – be it Rohit, Virat or whoever else. Communication is the key. If conducted properly, it will create a healthy relationship between players and selectors because if someone is sidelined and not informed about it, that leaves a sour taste in every player’s mouth.”