Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has voiced concerns over India’s recent struggles in international cricket, attributing the team’s poor performances to the “superstar culture” within the setup. His remarks come in the wake of India’s underwhelming 2024/25 season, which saw significant defeats across formats, including a historic loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
A Steep Decline After World Cup Glory
India’s decline began shortly after their triumphant campaign in the 2024 T20 World Cup under head coach Rahul Dravid. Since then, under the guidance of Gautam Gambhir, India has endured a series of setbacks. These include a 3-1 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a shocking 3-0 whitewash at home against New Zealand, and a rare bilateral ODI series loss to Sri Lanka, their first since 1997.
Harbhajan reflected on this downturn, questioning the sudden drop in form. “Everything was fine when Rahul Dravid was in charge. India won the World Cup, and the team was doing well. But what has gone wrong since then?” he asked on his YouTube channel.
Poor Form of Senior Players
One major factor contributing to India’s struggles has been the inconsistent form of senior players, particularly captain Rohit Sharma and former skipper Virat Kohli. Rohit even opted to drop himself for the final Test against Australia. Harbhajan believes selections should prioritize form over reputation.
“Every player has a reputation, but that should not dictate selection. If this continues, why not bring back legends like Kapil Dev or Anil Kumble? The BCCI and selectors need to take control. India must move beyond the superstar mentality,” he emphasized.
Overlooked Talents and Missed Opportunities
Harbhajan also criticized the lack of opportunities for promising players like Abhimanyu Easwaran and Sarfaraz Khan. He stressed the importance of giving deserving performers a chance to prove themselves at the highest level.
“Easwaran was taken on tour but never played. Sarfaraz is another case. These players can excel if given opportunities. With the England tour approaching, only those in form should be selected, not players chosen based on past achievements,” he added.
A Tough Season for Team India
India’s struggles were evident in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where Australia secured a 3-1 series win. While India started strong with a commanding 295-run victory in Perth, they faltered in the subsequent matches. This defeat came on the heels of a humiliating 3-0 home series loss to New Zealand, which ended India’s record streak of 18 consecutive home series wins.
Harbhajan’s call for a change in approach underscores the need for introspection within Indian cricket. With crucial tours and tournaments on the horizon, a shift in mindset and strategy could be pivotal for India to reclaim their dominance on the global stage.
