Speaking on the sidelines of the Vidarbha Cricket League launch in Nagpur, Harbhajan emphasised that India\u2019s success in England will depend not just on skill but also on mindset. \u201cThe team needs to believe in themselves \u2014 believe that they can win. This team has the ability,\u201d Harbhajan said. \u201cThese are the same youngsters \u2014 Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant \u2014 who broke Australia\u2019s fortress at the Gabba. Now it\u2019s their turn to make history again. The opportunity is massive, and they should grab it with both hands.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India\u2019s squad for the England tour reflects a significant shift. With stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R Ashwin having retired from the format, a new-look 18-man unit will take the field under the 25-year-old Shubman Gill, appointed captain for the first time. Rishabh Pant has been named vice-captain.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While Jasprit Bumrah was a candidate for captaincy, selection chief Ajit Agarkar clarified that workload concerns ruled him out of contention.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cGill is a new captain, and the team is quite young \u2014 there\u2019s no Rohit, Virat, Pujara, or even Ajinkya Rahane. It\u2019s going to be challenging, but I expect our youngsters to rise to the occasion and perform well,\u201d Harbhajan said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He also urged fans and critics to be patient with the team\u2019s progress: \u201cJust because they don\u2019t win right away doesn\u2019t mean we start criticising them. The team needs support right now. They\u2019re going through a transitional phase \u2014 a new team, a new era \u2014 and I hope it turns out to be a successful one for Indian cricket.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Among the key talking points in the squad was the inclusion of B. Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh, both earning maiden Test call-ups. Karun Nair and Shardul Thakur have been recalled, while notable omissions include Shreyas Iyer and Mohammed Shami. Harbhajan weighed in on Iyer\u2019s absence, which has stirred discontent among fans and former captain Sourav Ganguly.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cShreyas Iyer is a very fine player. He\u2019s proven himself in ODIs, performed in the World Cup, Champions Trophy, and IPL. So yes, he should\u2019ve been in the squad. But maybe the selectors don\u2019t see him as a red-ball player right now,\u201d Harbhajan said. \u201cIf I were part of the selection committee, I would have considered him. But this is not the end \u2014 his journey is long, and he might even be a future ODI captain. One missed tour doesn't mean his career is over.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On the crucial No. 3 batting spot, Harbhajan backed the young Sudharsan. \u201cIn my opinion, Sai Sudharsan should play at No.3. He\u2019s a left-hander, in top form, and just came off a very impressive IPL. His technique is sound, and I believe he could be the solution at that position.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India\u2019s five-Test series in England, starting June 20 at Headingley, also marks the beginning of their 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. The squad includes a balanced mix of youth and experience, with the likes of KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar joining the young core.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Harbhajan made these remarks while attending the launch of the Vidarbha Cricket League, a new domestic initiative aimed at tapping grassroots talent in the region.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India\u2019s five-Test series in England, starting June 20 at Headingley, also marks the beginning of their 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. The squad includes a balanced mix of youth and experience, with the likes of KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar joining the young core.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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