IND vs AUS: "There Is A Difference Between The Team Of 2011 And The Team Of 2023..." - Harbhajan Singh

Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh feels that the Indian players in the 2023 World Cup will give their all for the country rather than playing for any individual. Harbhajan Singh drew comparisons between the unity and motivation within the 2011 and 2023 Indian teams.

Virat Kohli carried Sachin Tendulkar on his shoulders with respect to his cricketing idol during the victory lap after India’s 2011 World Cup triumph in Mumbai. Tendulkar managed to lift the trophy in his sixth appearance in the World Cups in the 50-over format.

The 2011 Team Was United – Harbhajan Singh

Speaking at Conclave Mumbai 2023, Harbhajan Singh mentioned that everyone in the 2011 team was united and motivated to win for Sachin Tendulkar. However, he expressed doubt about whether any player in the current team has earned such respect.

“There is a difference between the team of 2011 and the team of 2023. The 2011 team was united; everyone wanted to win it for Tendulkar. I don’t know about the team in 2023,” Harbhajan Singh told India Today.

“I doubt anyone would have earned the kind of respect that Tendulkar did. I am sure all the players now want to win the World Cup for the country, but I doubt if any of the players want to win it for a particular player.”

Virat Kohli has been a part of the Indian cricket team for more than 15 years. The 34-year-old is preparing for his fourth appearance in the ODI World Cup. However, his participation in the next edition could be uncertain, as he will be almost 39.

We Never Pray For Virat Kohli Or Rahul Dravid To Win – Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh stressed that Indian cricketers play for the country rather than for any individual, emphasizing their collective commitment to India’s success.

“You play for India. I have played every match for India, not for any individual. This is a great satisfaction for me. Fans wanted to pray for my success. We all pray for India to win; we never pray for Kohli or Dravid to win; we pray for India to win,” Singh added.

The Rohit Sharma-led team will start their campaign in the ICC World Cup 2023 against the Pat Cummins-led Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, October 8.

Also read: Harbhajan Singh Reveals His Dream ODI Opening Pair, Picks Four Semifinalists For ICC World Cup 2023