- Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh is known for his sharp statements. He often makes headlines due to his statements. In this episode, he said Team India…
Source: Social Media
Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh is known for his sharp statements. He often makes headlines due to his statements. In this episode, he has said a big thing about Team India’s fierce batsman Ajinkya Rahane. While talking to a news agency, Bhajji revealed why he is not getting a place in the team. So let’s know why the Indian selectors are dropping Ajinkya Rahane….
Harbhajan Singh gave a big statement about Ajinkya Rahane
Actually, India has lost the three-match Test series against New Zealand. By winning the first two matches, the Kiwi team took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. In the second match played in Pune, the Indian batsmen failed miserably against the spinners. New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner took 13 wickets for India in the match alone. In such a situation, cricket pundits are seen making statements about the pitches. Now Harbhajan Singh’s name has also been added to this episode. While talking to PTI, he gave a statement about the pitch and also discussed the reason for Ajinkya Rahane’s exclusion from the team.
Not happy with Indian pitches
Citing the example of Ajinkya Rahane , Harbhajan Singh said that his career has been greatly affected by the pitches in India. It is because of the turner pitch that he is not getting a place in the team at present. Bhajji said,
“You have a great record at home for such a long time. And if you lose, obviously there will be a discussion. Credit to New Zealand for the way they played. And these were foreign conditions and there was not much crack in the pitch. These were spinner-friendly conditions, where the ball should have turned from the first hour itself. Look at the trend over the last decades.”
“Our batsmen lose confidence”
Harbhajan Singh further said that Indian batsmen lose confidence by playing on their home pitches. He said,
“We have been playing on turners for most of the last decade with the hope that we will win the toss and score 300 runs and control the match. But we don’t know whether the tables will turn and whether our batting will work on a turning pitch or not. Our batsmen have lost confidence while playing on these pitches. The biggest example of this is Ajinkya Rahane who is a great player. His career was affected due to such pitches.”
Ajinkya Rahane, once a mainstay of India’s middle order and vice-captain, has seen his career take unexpected twists and turns. Known for his calm demeanor and match-winning performances, Rahane’s decline has left fans wondering what went wrong. In a surprising revelation, former cricketer Harbhajan Singh has shared insights on what—or who—may have impacted Rahane’s career, stirring up a new controversy in Indian cricket circles.
Rahane’s Rise and Fall: A Brief Recap
Rahane was one of India’s most dependable batsmen, known for his composure and resilience, especially on foreign soil. He played some unforgettable innings, including a crucial century at Lord’s and leading India to victory in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar series. But after some inconsistent performances, his place in the team started to look uncertain:
- From Vice-Captain to the Sidelines: Rahane’s gradual dip in form led to him losing his spot in the team and his vice-captaincy role.
- Selector Pressure and Performance Anxiety: As Rahane’s form fluctuated, he may have faced additional pressure from selectors, which potentially impacted his confidence and performance.
Harbhajan Singh’s Revelation: Who Is Responsible?
In his recent statement, Harbhajan Singh pointed fingers at certain influential figures who, he claims, affected Rahane’s career trajectory. According to Singh, these individuals in Indian cricket’s inner circles made decisions that directly impacted Rahane’s role, eventually sidelining him:
- Questioning Selectors and Team Management: Harbhajan’s remarks suggest that selectors or team management members may have made arbitrary decisions, affecting Rahane’s consistency and undermining his position.
- Internal Team Politics: Harbhajan hinted at possible internal politics affecting Rahane, suggesting that his calm, non-confrontational personality may have clashed with certain dominant voices in the dressing room.
The Bigger Issue: Indian Cricket’s Selection Controversies
Harbhajan’s revelation has reignited debates over Indian cricket’s selection process:
- Lack of Transparency in Selection: Indian cricket has seen instances where players’ careers are sidelined without transparent reasoning, which has fueled speculation and fan outrage.
- Pressure on Consistency Despite Performance Potential: Rahane’s case reflects the high pressure on players to perform consistently, with little room for recovery from a lean patch.
Could Rahane Have Been Managed Differently?
Many believe that Rahane could have thrived with the right support, especially during his lean phases. The support extended to him during the 2020-21 series, when he led India in Virat Kohli’s absence, showed his potential. However, once his form dipped, the team management’s backing seemed to wane, leaving questions about whether he could have had a smoother career trajectory with more consistent support.
Conclusion
Harbhajan Singh’s statements have sparked an important conversation around Ajinkya Rahane’s career. His words remind us of the unseen factors that can shape a cricketer’s journey, beyond what fans witness on the field. As debates around this revelation continue, it’s clear that Rahane’s career story is one of both talent and potential derailed by decisions beyond his control. This episode calls for more transparency and better management practices to protect players and ensure fair treatment in Indian cricket’s competitive landscape.