Harbhajan Singh backs Varun Chakravarthy’s inclusion after India’s defeat in IND vs SA 2025 2nd ODI

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed India to include a wicket-taking option like Varun Chakravarthy in ODIs. India suffered a four-wicket loss against South Africa despite posting 358 runs on the board at Raipur on Wednesday. 

Chakravarthy has picked 45 wickets in 29 T20Is and the mystery spinner is a regular part of the T20I team. The 34-year-old has scalped 10 wickets in four ODIs and had also played a key role in India’s Champions Trophy triumph.

Meanwhile, the trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav conceded 147 runs in 21 overs they bowled collectively in the second game and they shared a single wicket between them.

“In England, without Bumrah, Siraj was unbelievable, fantastic. India won all the Tests where Bumrah did not feature. But, in shorter formats, we need to find people who can win you games, whether it be fast bowling or spin. Find spinners who can come in and take wickets. There is Kuldeep, but what about the rest? Bring in Varun Chakaravarthy in ODIs as well, you already have him in T20Is, so try him in ODIs also,” Harbhajan Singh said on his YouTube channel.

The Turbanator questioned Mohammed Shami’s absence in ODIs. Shami has scalped 20 wickets in four matches of the Ranji Trophy for Bengal at an average of less than 19.

“Where is Shami? I don’t know why Shami is not playing. I get it, you have Prasidh, he is a good bowler, but he still has a lot to learn. You had good bowlers, and you have slowly sidelined them. With Bumrah, this is a different bowling attack, and without Bumrah, it is entirely different attack altogether. We have to learn the art of winning games without Jasprit Bumrah,” he added.

Harbhajan shared his disappointment after India suffered a loss despite posting 358 runs on the board. 

“I am a little disappointed that India allowed 358 to be chased down. I think we could have bowled better than what we bowled today. Our seamers need to learn what are the lines and lengths to hit. India have to find a way to get wickets, they need to work on it,” Harbhajan Singh said.

The former spinner said India’s confidence will be shattered if they lose this series as well after a 0-2 whitewash in Test matches.

“India cannot lose both Test and ODI series at home, because a lot is at stake. The confidence will be shattered if we lose this series as well. India should not let this happen,” Harbhajan Singh added.

The third and final ODI between India and South Africa will be played at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, on Saturday.