Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh questioned India’s downfall since Rahul Dravid’s exit as head coach. After India won the T20 World Cup under Dravid’s tutelage, Gautam Gambhir took over the coaching reins but it hasn’t been a pretty start to the former opener’s tenure.
Under Gambhir, India lost an ODI series against Sri Lanka after 27 years. India suffered a 0-3 Test series loss against New Zealand, which was their first Test series loss in home conditions after a dozen years and their first-ever against the Kiwis.
India also lost the Border-Gavaskar trophy against Australia for the first time in the last 10 years.
Harbhajan Singh said on his YouTube channel, “In the past six months, we lost to Sri Lanka, a series whitewash against New Zealand and now a 3-1 defeat in Australia. Everything was fine till Rahul Dravid was there. India won the World Cup, and everything was fine. But what happened suddenly?”
The Turbanator wants the BCCI to let go of the superstar culture and make their selection based on form rather than reputation.
“Every player has a reputation. If this is the thing, then add Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble or those who have been India’s biggest match-winners. BCCI and selectors should take hold. India should leave behind the superstar attitude,” he said.
Harbhajan believes Abhimanyu Easwaran, who was taken on the Australian tour but was not given his opportunity, can become a serious player for India.
“Abhimanyu Easwaran was taken on tour, but he didn’t play. He can become a player for India if he is given the opportunity. Sarfaraz is the same case. Now, the England tour lies ahead. The player who performs should go there. You should not pick players on reputation,” Harbhajan Singh.
India will next host England for three ODIs and five T20Is.
