Indo vs Pak in Asia Cup 2023: Harbhajan Singh bats for Mohammed Shami’s inclusion in playing XI

Earlier in the league stage match against Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami was benched as India opted for Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, with Shardul Thakur being the third pacer. 

However, former India off- spinner Harbhajan Singh is advocating for India to field a proper bowling lineup with the trio of Shami, Siraj, and Bumrah in the playing XI for the high-voltage Super Four match against the arch-rival.

As per Bhajji, India would benefit from an all-out pace attack. He insisted that the responsibility of run-scoring should primarily rest with the batters, emphasizing the need to strengthen India’s bowling attack.

“I believe Shami should play. You can’t buy experience, and an experienced player like Shami sitting out, it doesn’t sit right with me. Shami should play before Siraj. If you really want to play Siraj, don’t expect batting from Shardul Thakur. You have batters till no.7, then have proper bowlers. Tell your batters to score runs, and even if we score 260, it’s the bowlers’ responsibility to defend the total,” said Bhajji on his official YouTube channel.

“Many people say Shardul can bat and ball, I agree. But we can’t go into a game half-heartedly. Can Siraj do what Shardul does? If he can do better, strengthen the bowling and tell your batters to score,” he added.