Not Ravichandran Ashwin! Harbhajan Singh to become Team India's mentor

India’s former World Cup winner Harbhajan Singh has gotten the big opportunity with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) just days before the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026.

Indian spinners have been facing tough times, especially in Test cricket, and keeping in mind that Harbhajan Singh was sent on a special mission ahead of the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin.

Harbhajan Singh gets BCCI role ahead of IPL 2026

The former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has been handed the job to guide young bowlers at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru in a special four-day spin camp from March 23 to 26.

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This move has caught attention because many people thought someone like Ashwin could take up such a role. But this time, the BCCI has handed the responsibility to Harbhajan Singh, one of India’s most successful off-spinners. He took 417 wickets in 103 tests and brings huge experience to the table.

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Mumbai off-spinners Tanush Kotian and Himanshu Singh will train under him, while Goa spinner Mohit Redkar will also attend the camp. The players are expected to report on March 20, and the first two days will be used for fitness tests before the camp begins.

The special spin camp is part of a bigger plan at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Recently, Zaheer Khan also worked with young fast bowlers in the same special camp, which made it clear that the Indian cricket board wants former icons to help young players grow and develop.

Big opportunity for Tanush Kotian and Himanshu Singh

Meanwhile, this is a huge opportunity for Tanush Kotian to work with Harbhajan Singh. The young spinner has been brilliant in domestic cricket and even got his first India call-up in December 2024 during the Australia tour after Ashwin’s retirement, but he did not get a match.

The 27-year-old has taken 131 wickets in 44 first-class matches and also scored 2168 runs to prove his value as an all-rounder. His biggest moment came in the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy, where the spinner scalped 29 wickets and scored 502 runs to help Mumbai win their 42nd Ranji title.

He was also named Player of the Tournament. On the other hand, Himanshu Singh has also been impressive in the domestic circuit, taking 42 wickets in 15 first-class matches. Since both Kotian and Himanshu are not part of IPL 2026, this camp comes at the right time for them.

Laxman Sivaramakrishnan quits BCCI Commentary Panel after 23 Years

Meanwhile, former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has retired from the BCCI commentary panel after 23 years in broadcasting. He announced on Friday, March 20. Before the announcement, Sivaramakrishnan said that he would reveal more shocking details as the story of TV production comes out.

In another post, which he later deleted, Sivaramakrishnan said cricket fans would be shocked, and even the BCCI would be left stunned. He had also earlier claimed that he faced racial discrimination.

This retirement is only the beginning of a story. When told, the general public, cricket fans, and everyone will be utterly shocked. I am very happy that people who hate me are delighted. But those who thought I was at least decent. Thanks. BCCI will be left with disbelief.”

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