CWC 2011 : Drop Harbhajan.

Harbhajan’s bowling statistics in the world cup are:

• Against Bangladesh: 10-0-41-1
• Against England : 10-0-58-1
• Against Ireland: 9-1-29-0
• Against Netherlands: 10-0-31-0
• Against South Africa: 9-0-53-3
• Against West Indies: 9-1-35-1
• Against Australia: 10-0-50-0

Thus Harbhajan played 7 matches claiming just 6 wickets at an average of 49.50 and a strike rate of 67.0. Just 6 wickets?? Do we expect that from our strike bowler? The economy of 4.43 seems to be relatively good, but if you just see the bowling performances against the top 8 cricketing nations, the economy factor too falters. 29-0-153-4. An economy rate of 5.28 !!

This seems to be unacceptable. A Harbhajan who cannot threaten an opposition is worthless for the team. He seems to assume that his role in the team is to curb the flow of runs. But he is unable to do it against the bigger oppositions. No flight in his spin certainly seems to indicate that he has to set out to rediscover the art of spin. His ineffectiveness was certainly highlighted in the quarterfinal. He was unable to work wonders of a favorable pitch that assisted turn and some bounce.

The world cup scenario demands to let him stay for the time being because of his experience. But regardless of the result , he should be dropped off after the World Cup. Dropping him will surely give him ample time to find his rhythm and resurrect his art of DECEPTION.