Harbhajan Singh has delivered a pointy critique of the pitches India have been making ready for house Check matches, saying rank turners have stalled the expansion of each batters and bowlers within the nation. Following India’s 2-0 defeat to South Africa within the just lately concluded Check collection, the previous India off-spinner stated it’s “excessive time” that the staff strikes away from surfaces that supply extreme flip from day one.
“The form of pitches we have now been taking part in on, there isn’t a requirement of creating a bowler out of anybody as a result of each supply spins or some straightens,” Harbhajan informed PTI.
“A bowler can (solely) be thought-about good when he takes wickets on good pitches,” he added/
He argued that India have spent greater than a decade counting on sharply turning tracks, which has restricted the general growth of gamers. Pointing to India’s latest success in England—the place Shubman Gill scored 754 runs and the staff drew the five-Check collection 2-2—Harbhajan stated Indian batters should get comparable alternatives to carry out on honest surfaces at house.
“We must always play on good cricket pitches — it’s excessive time,” Harbhajan stated.
“It has been greater than a decade taking part in on these pitches the place there has not been general development of (Indian) cricket.”
Harbhajan additionally expressed concern over the Kolkata Check ending inside three days on a dry, turning pitch. He stated such surfaces undermine India’s declare of wanting to advertise Check cricket, warning that overly one-sided wickets don’t assist the way forward for the longest format.
With the dialogue round pitches, Harbhajan additionally addressed India’s spin sources, significantly within the aftermath of R. Ashwin’s retirement. India’s spinners struggled within the house collection in opposition to South Africa, taking far fewer wickets than the Proteas in acquainted situations.
“Seems like (India doesn’t have a specialist right-arm off-spinner for Check cricket),” he informed PTI.
Harbhajan stated Washington Sundar has potential however wants a extra vital workload in Check cricket to develop right into a specialist.
“I feel Washington Sundar is there, however we should bowl him extra. He should be bowled for 30-35 overs in a Check match to make a bowler out of him,” he stated.
With India trying to find each higher pitches and a brand new long-term off-spinner, Harbhajan believes a structural shift is critical to strengthen the staff’s future in Check cricket.
– ends