Harbhajan Singh misses tri-series

Despite having good record, not selected for ODI series

The selectors on Sunday announced a 17-member squad for the upcoming T20 international against Australia and the tri-series involving Sri Lanka. Harbhajan Singh was overlooked and Ashwin was given a chance. Bhajji’s last match was in England at Trent-Bridge, Nottingham, where he managed to pick up only 2 wickets in two test matches. As a result, selector Kris Srikanth’s position had been questioned. After that devastating tour of England, Bhajji was not considered for other series which was India’s worst performance in the past 3 years.

Ashwin preferred over Bhajji for ODI series

In the 2008 Commonwealth Bank series, Harbhajan Singh’s played an important role. He knows the Australian conditions and stops the run-flow of aggressive batsmen. As said by Ravi Shashtri, “No one has a better record in Australia than Harbhajan”. With one devastating performance, a player cannot be judged. Ashwin is new to the international side and does well better at home than overseas. His selection to Australia was right as this is the perfect time for him; as he will be the future spinner.

Even earlier, Harbhajan had a 2-year break and came back well against Pakistan. As Zak is a role model for fast bowlers, for spinners it is Bhajji. Harbhajan’s record against Australia, especially against top players is in-fact good. What is unique about him is his ability to maintain pressure on the batsmen. Virtually, in the majority of the ODIs he has played, it is rare to see his economy rate crossing over 5.0. Last time he played in the CB Series in 2007, he got 20 wickets at an economy rate of 4.96.

Just after a demoralizing tour, Harbhajan should play some county cricket for England as Saurav did to regain his form to get back into the side; Saurav made a come-back after 2 years against West Indies.

Made a come-back in 2006 after rejected by selectors

Saurav was dropped from the team in between the series and Dravid was appointed captain for rest of the matches against Pakistan in 2004. He took a break and played county cricket in England, scored a century and made a comeback into the side in 2006. He came into the side against West Indies in Cuttack, scored a century as India were victorious.