IND vs SA: Harbhajan Singh Opines That Upcoming South Africa Tour Is India's Best Chance To Win There

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh believes that India’s tour of South Africa at the end of this month is their best chance to finally win a Test series on the Protean shores.

For this to work out, the team management will have to make tough choices as there are a certain few senior players who are out of form. The bowling lineup is pretty much confirmed as India’s bowlers have been in top form but the batting department is where the troubles lie.

“The selection is going to be very interesting because if KL Rahul is fit, he will definitely be in the team. And Rohit Sharma, about whom it is being said that he will be made the vice-captain in Test cricket. If he comes, the batting becomes stronger.”

“Along with that, Mayank Agarwal coming in form is a very good thing. Shubman Gill got good starts, made 47 in the second innings but could not make big runs. But a great prospect, so I feel he will continue in the team,” Harbhajan said.

The big debate regarding the form of Ajinkya Rahane is yet to be settled and it will be interesting to see if the management continues to back the 34-year-old. With Shreyas Iyer performing well, Rahane is currently living on borrowed time.

“If we talk about the middle order, Shreyas Iyer has shown his might. So will Ajinkya Rahane be able to make his place in the team? Along with him, Suryakumar Yadav – who was in the backup plan, we will have to see if he remains in the team,” Harbhajan added.

Harbhajan Singh expects Axar Patel to be the third spinning option

After excellent performances in Tests at home, Axar Patel might finally get a call on a foreign tour. Harbhajan Singh reckons he will be the third spinner after all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, who are expected to start in the playing XI as well.

“India’s bowling – Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj. And along with them, Thakur will make a comeback in Test cricket because you will need a seamer in South Africa who can bat as well. In the spin department, you will see R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja for sure. Along with them, Axar Patel might be kept as the third spinner.”

“I feel this is the best chance for India to beat South Africa in South Africa because if I talk about their team, it is not as strong as they used to be. Even a few years ago when AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis were playing, they have never let India win there,” Harbhajan added.

The tour begins with the Test series and the first match starts on December 26.

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