As the dust settles on the World Test Championship (WTC) final, the focus shifts to India’s next cricketing challenge. The 2021-23 WTC cycle may have ended in disappointment for India, but it’s time to look ahead. Barely a month later, Team India embarks on their next campaign against the West Indies, starting July 12.
Cricket aficionados can expect an action-packed series in the Caribbean, encompassing two Tests, 3 ODIs, and 5 T20Is. The line-up for this crucial series is yet to be confirmed by the BCCI. However, some critics argue that it’s time to give underperforming senior players a break and bring fresh talent to the crease.
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Harbhajan Singh urges BCCI to play new faces in the series against West Indies
Legendary Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh is one such voice. “The seniors have played enough cricket and should be rested,” Harbhajan opined. He urged the board to seize this opportunity to inject young talent into the squad, saying, “I urge them (the board) not to delay this any further and send a young team to the West Indies.”
Harbhajan suggested some potential players who should get a nod for the upcoming series. “I will take Axar [Patel] as the all-rounder and then the two spinners in [Ravi] Bishnoi and Yuzvendra Chahal. Akash Madhwal had a great IPL and I feel he should be there in the team as well,” he said.
When it comes to the opening pair, Harbhajan feels Shubman Gill has a confirmed spot. The second spot, he believes, could be filled by Yashasvi Jaiswal. He praised the youngster for his stellar IPL season and his ability to seize every opportunity, saying, “I feel he is ready for the biggest stage.”
As a contingency plan, Harbhajan suggested Ruturaj Gaikwad, another promising talent, could also step in as the third opener. The former cricketer’s views underscore the need for fresh perspectives and experimentation, encouraging India to recover from the WTC final loss and return stronger in the upcoming series against the West Indies.
