Harbhajan Singh Calls for Significant Change in India’s Playing XI: “Mohammed Shami Should Play Over Mohammed Siraj”

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has advocated for a significant alteration in India's playing XI ahead of the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2023 Super Four clash against Pakistan.

The India team, led by Rohit Sharma, is set to face off against Babar Azam’s Pakistan on September 10th at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. This will be the second meeting between the arch-rivals in the Asia Cup 2023, with the first match being abandoned due to rain in Pallekele.

Harbhajan Singh Calls for Significant Change in India's Playing XI: "Mohammed Shami Should Play Over Mohammed Siraj"

In the initial game against Pakistan, India opted to include Shardul Thakur in the playing XI over Mohammed Shami, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj as the two primary pacers. However, with Bumrah’s return home for the birth of his child, Mohammed Shami is expected to step into the XI for the forthcoming match against Pakistan.

Harbhajan Singh, speaking on his YouTube channel, expressed his belief that Shami should retain his place in the playing XI. He suggested that Shami should replace Siraj, and if the team management wishes to field both, Shardul Thakur should make way. Harbhajan explained:

“In my opinion, Shami should play instead of Siraj. He is experienced, and I cannot fathom such an experienced player sitting on the bench. Now, if you want both Shami and Siraj in the team, then you can’t have any batting expectations from Shardul Thakur. In that case, batters from No. 1 to No. 7 will need to fulfill that role.”

Also Read: Shubman Gill on Facing Pakistan Pacers: “When You Do Not Face Such A Bowling Attack Frequently…”

Harbhajan contended that the team management should have a clear and candid conversation with both the batsmen and bowlers, urging them to execute their respective roles efficiently. He stressed that India should not be “ambivalent about Thakur’s inclusion or omission” from the playing XI.

“The team will simply need to instruct the batsmen to perform their duty and score runs while instructing the bowlers to defend the total on the board. Shardul Thakur can contribute with both bat and ball, but we cannot be indecisive about his inclusion or exclusion, especially this close to the World Cup,” he emphasized.

Harbhajan Singh Calls for Significant Change in India's Playing XI: "Mohammed Shami Should Play Over Mohammed Siraj"

“Siraj is a superior bowler compared to Thakur, and his inclusion would bolster the bowling department, allowing the batters to assume greater responsibility,” Harbhajan concluded. Only time will tell what’s going to happen this Sunday when arch-rivals India-Pakistan will face each other.

IPL 2024

Related articles

IPL 2025, RCB vs RR- Bengaluru Pitch Report and Weather Forecast Today Match

The 42nd match of IPL 2025 will see Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in...

IPL 2025 Orange and Purple Cap List- SKY Reaches Number 3

Under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, Mumbai Indians registered their fourth consecutive win by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by 7 wickets. The star performer with...

BCCI Central Contract 2025: 34 Players Including Shreyas Iyer Get Lucky, Awarded Central Contracts – What Happened to Ishan Kishan?

BCCI Central Contract 2025 Announced: Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan Return to the List of 34 Players The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)...

KKR vs GT, IPL 2025- Eden Gardens Pitch Report Today Match

The 39th match of IPL 2025 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Gujarat Titans (GT) will be played at Eden Gardens. KKR comes into...

Suryakumar Makes a Strong Entry in IPL 2025 Orange Cap Race; Who is Owning the Purple Cap?

There have been consistent changes in the Orange Cap race in IPL 2025. Even after the double header on Sunday (April 20), there was...

RR vs LSG, IPL 2025- Sawai Mansingh Stadium Pitch Report Today Match

The 36th match of IPL 2025 between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will be played today, Saturday, 19th April, at the...

RCB vs PBKS Playing 11: Punjab Likely to Make Major Changes Despite Win, Set to Clash with RCB in Bengaluru

In the 34th match of the Indian Premier League 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face off against Punjab Kings today at the M. Chinnaswamy...

RCB vs PBKS, IPL 2025- Chinnaswamy Stadium Pitch Report Today Match

The IPL 2025 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) will be held on Friday at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in...