IND vs SA: 'Intent And Positive Captaincy' - Harbhajan Singh Says Hardik Pandya Can Lead India in Future

Hardik Pandya’s proclivity for leading by example, combined with his aim and positivism, will make him a viable contender for Indian captaincy in the near future, according to spin legend Harbhajan Singh. 

After leading the Gujarat Titans to victory in the world’s most lucrative T20 league in their inaugural season, the 28-year-old all-rounder is being hailed as a potential India skipper. 

Advent Of Hardik Pandya As Skipper Biggest Revelation Of IPL 2022: Harbhajan Singh

“One of the biggest revelations in this year’s IPL was the advent of Hardik Pandya as the skipper of the Gujarat Titans and the way he led the team from the front to win the coveted title is definitely praiseworthy. 

“His intent and positive captaincy are signs that he can lead Team India in the future,” Harbhajan told PTI in an interview. 

It was the crowning achievement of an incredible season that began with experts refusing to bet on the team after criticising its player auction purchases. 

Their flamboyant captain, on the other hand, had other ideas. After surprising everyone with his precise decision-making and field placements, he took three wickets and scored 34 runs against Rajasthan Royals in the final, which was watched by over a lakh people at the world’s largest cricket stadium in Motera. 

Harbhajan Singh Confident Of Virat Kohli’s Comeback

As the conversation shifted to Virat Kohli, the former spinner, who has 417 Test and 269 ODI wickets, stated that the batting maestro’s slump is only temporary and that he will make a strong recovery very soon. 

“Kohli is a kind of cricketer who always gives his best when he is out there in the middle. Given the quality of cricket he has delivered to us over the years, I am extremely confident that he would make a comeback soon. He has always been an achiever,” stated the legendary spinner. 

The Indian team management is counting on a handful of teenagers who shone in this year’s IPL for the five-match T20I series against South Africa. 

Golden Opportunity For Youngsters To Make An Impression: Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan said this is a fantastic chance for players like Rututaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Umran Malik, and Arshdeep Singh to make an impression on the international stage ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia in October-November. 

“It’s a golden opportunity for these youngsters to do something special ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup later this year. The team management has injected the young blood into the squad against South Africa this time, and they have every potential to make it big before the flagship event,” he said. 

Harbhajan Singh, the first Indian to take a hat-trick in Tests against Australia in 2001, said he is looking forward to Yuzvendra Chahal’s performance in the T20 series against South Africa. 

 Yuzvendra Chahal In Form Of His Life: Harbhajan Singh

Chahal’s outstanding performance in the IPL-15 earned him the Purple Cap, which is awarded to the tournament’s top wicket-taker.

“Yuzvendra Chahal is currently in the form of his life, thanks to his amazing show in the IPL, that earned him 27 wickets, the most by any bowler this season. 

“What sets Chahal apart from the rest is how he has evolved as a top-notch spinner over the years and never compromised on the line and length, which is very important for a spinner. 

“Therefore, he will definitely play a pivotal role in this T20 series against South Africa,” Harbhajan said during the interview which was facilitated by Fanatic Sports, one of the leading sports travel and hospitality firms. 

Dinesh Karthik Setting An Example With His Dedication: Harbhajan Singh

In response to a question on Dinesh Karthik’s remarkable comeback, Harbhajan Singh praised the 37-year-old veteran as a fighter whose never-say-die attitude has led to his return to the Indian team. 

“Dinesh Karthik, the kind of cricketer he is, and at this stage of his career, he is just trying to prove to himself that he is still good enough to represent the Indian colours. 

“His determination, attitude, and most importantly, the fact that he believes, he has still got a lot to give to the Indian cricket team, are definitely laudable and he has definitely set a precedent by doing that,” Harbhajan remarked. 

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