Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh expressed his views on India’s squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, noting that the team will miss middle-order batter Rinku Singh. Harbhajan mentioned that while Rinku is not in the main squad but included in the reserves, his absence could be felt as he is a match-winner capable of scoring 60 runs in 20 balls. Harbhajan also commented that the team might be lacking one fast bowler and suggested that including four spinners in the squad is excessive, believing three would suffice. He concluded by wishing Team India success and hoping they bring home the cup.
He also said that he does not think India will ever field four spinners in a game. “I do not think we will ever play four spinners in a game. Ravindra Jadeja will play. Maybe Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal will play with him. Maybe we will field three spinners in a game. We will get to know the combo on seeing the conditions,” he said.
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Harbhajan said that the real tournament will start in West Indies for India
Rinku made his T20 debut in 2023 against Ireland, following that he has played 15 matches and 11 innings in which he scored 356 runs at an average of 89.00 and a strike rate of 176.24. The left-handed batter played his last 20-over match for India against Afghanistan in January 2024.
However, with just 168 runs in 11 innings at an average of 18.66 and a best score of 26, Rinku’s IPL 2024 has been a disappointment and can be due to either lack of form or lack of opportunities down the order due to fine performances of the top order.
Harbhajan said that the real tournament will start in West Indies for India during the Super Eight phase when India will get to play big teams like Australia, New Zealand, etc but the group stage clash with Pakistan on June 9 at New York could set the momentum for India. “I am sure we will win against Pakistan, we have a great track record against them and have a better team,” he added.
The former spinner also said that though Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper and India’s star wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant performed well on his return to competitive cricket after a road accident, Sanju Samson, who has been captaining Rajasthan Royals (RR) should get a chance.