Harbhajan Singh and Rishabh Pant. (Source -Getty Images)
Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has made some interesting choices as he shared his views on how India could line up for the impending Champions Trophy 2025. After months of impasse, the global event is set to be held in a hybrid model from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan and UAE.
According to Harbhajan, Axar Patel is ready to step into the shoes of Ravindra Jadeja. The Gujarat all-rounder was always a potent left-arm spinner but he has improved his batting commendably in recent times. There is a possibility of only one among the two spin-bowling all-rounders making it to India’s squad for the eight-team tournament. Harbhajan has backed the Delhi Capitals player to make the cut.
“I have chosen Axar Patel over Ravindra Jadeja. I think Axar is ready to fulfil the role that Jadeja has done for so many years,” Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.
Jadeja’s form has been a bit of a concern of late as he hasn’t been able to deliver the goods. Meanwhile, Axar has gone from strength to strength, showcasing his talent at the international level.
If KL Rahul rested, it’s not a big thing: Harbhajan Singh
Another topic of debate is whether India pick Rishabh Pant or Sanju Samson in the Champions Trophy squad. KL Rahul seems to be the frontrunner to don the wicketkeeping gloves in the marquee event. Either Pant or Samson could be picked as the second wicketkeeper in the side.
Samson created history in 2024 as he became the first batter to score three centuries in T20Is in a calendar year. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant did not have a great run with the bat in the white-ball format last year.
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Harbhajan opined that he would want Samson to be a part of the Indian squad instead of Pant as the latter had a long tour in Australia and could get a breather during the Champions Trophy.
“I think one among Sanju Samson or Rishabh Pant should be picked. I feel Sanju should be preferred because he had played in South Africa. Rishabh played well in Australia, but it was a long tour, so if he is rested, it’s not a big thing,” Harbhajan added.