The countdown for the T20 World Cup 2024 has begun, with the selectors and the Indian team management working to establish the perfect combination for the marquee event. When it comes to spinners, one name that has been ignored of late is that of wrist spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. For India legend Harbhajan Singh, Chahal is the first name that goes on the Indian teamsheet when it comes to T20 World Cup 2024 squad. Hence, the Turbanator remains baffled wondering the reason behind Chahal’s absence.
“I would keep Yuzvendra Chahal ahead (for the first slot among spinners),” Harbhajan said in a chat with Hindustan Times when asked about his top-three spin picks for the T20 World Cup.
“He is being ignored; I don’t know why. I don’t think he knows as well. But even today, I don’t think there is a better leg-spinner in the country. And I don’t think there is a braver spinner than him. He has a very sharp mind. The second spinner for me would be Ravindra Jadeja. You need to have an off-spinner in Washington Sundar as well. Now, what selectors think, what the management thinks, is a different thing,” Harbhajan said on the sidelines of the International League T20 (ILT20) in the UAE.
Harbhajan feels the pitches in the West Indies and the USA will be similar to India, hence spinners will play a big role.
“Pitches will be pretty similar, like India. Spinners will play a big role. I’ve been to the West Indies on many occasions, and I’ve seen there’s always something for the spinners. Hence, it is important to pick the right attack. You cannot look past the conditions because they will be similar to the subcontinent. You have to make the team keeping in mind the conditions. You need to have at least three spinners in your squad,” said Harbhajan.
“I have a different perspective in this case. We need experience. When you are making a team for the World Cup, you need to have experience. Yes, your combination was affected a little. The players who played in the past year have been good, but in big tournaments like World Cups, you need to have experience in the team,” said Harbhajan.
“Bazball won’t work. The conditions are going to be pretty difficult for England. Pitches will turn from the first day, and if you have an accurate spinner, he will take wickets. On both sides, actually. Toss becomes pretty important on such wickets. I don’t think England have a chance unless there isn’t much to offer for spinners,” said the spin icon.
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