IND vs AFG: Harbhajan Singh Fires Shots At Hardik Pandya After Shivam Dube's Impressive Show In Mohali T20I

Veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh expressed confidence in Shivam Dube’s potential as a long-term pace-bowling all-rounder for Team India. Harbhajan Singh emphasized that selectors cannot overlook Shivam Dube if he continues to score in upcoming matches.

Shivam Dube was selected as the replacement for Hardik Pandya in the five-match T20I series against Australia following the World Cup final. However, the all-rounder didn’t get a chance in the XI and was subsequently dropped from the squad for the South Africa tour.

However, the 30-year-old was recalled to the squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. Dube made the most of the opportunity and earned the ‘Player of the Match’ award in the first match. He scored an unbeaten 60 runs and also took one wicket.

Shivam Dube Has Added A Bit Of It Into His Bowling Now – Harbhajan Singh

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan Singh highlighted Shivam Dube‘s efforts to increase his bowling speed and improve his overall fitness.

“One major change that I saw in Shivam Dube was his bowling pace, he has added a bit of it into his bowling now. His pace has definitely improved and he has clearly worked on his fitness. He can be the long-term pace bowling all-rounder that India are looking for. If Shivam Dube scores runs in the remaining matches as well, it will be difficult to ignore him,” Harbhajan said.

I Laud The Players For Playing In Such Cold Conditions – Harbhajan Singh

In challenging single-digit temperatures, players from both teams encountered difficulties. Harbhajan Singh commended both the players and spectators for enduring the cold conditions, citing his experience of playing in venues like Mohali and Dharamsala.

“I laud the players for playing in such cold conditions, even the spectators as well who came to see the match in such weather. I used to also play in similar conditions during my career, whether it be in Mohali or Dharamsala, and it can be tricky at times,” Harbhajan added.

Afghanistan Batters Hardly Played Any Attacking Shots – Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh criticized the Afghanistan openers’ slow approach during the powerplay. Singh emphasized that, except for Nabi, none of the batters troubled the Indian bowlers.

“The Afghanistan batters played way too slow in the powerplay, they hardly played any attacking shots. Apart from Nabi, no other batter could do much to trouble the Indian bowlers. 158 was never going to be a safe total because the pitch is quite good to bat on, and it was difficult for the bowlers to bowl in the cold conditions,” Harbhajan further stated.

Afghanistan began their innings with a maiden over off Arshdeep Singh after being asked to bat first. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran added just 33 runs in the first six overs. Mohammad Nabi contributed with a brisk knock of 42 runs from 27 balls.

The Rohit Sharma-led team will take on the Afghanistan team in the second T20I match at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Sunday, January 14. The home team aims to secure the series victory with one match remaining.

Also read: IND vs AFG: “MS Dhoni Has Rated Me Many Times As A Very Good Player” – Shivam Dube