The Indian senior off-spinner Harbhajan Singh is confident to tell that India is a far superior team in modern world cricket. He credits the skipper Virat Kohli and the team management for setting these high standards.
The Indian national cricket team is currently one of the most successful teams in international cricket. Whether in India, Asia or outside the Asian soil, India is very consistent in their dominant performances.
After the successful tour in Australia, India now won the five-match ODI series against the hosts New Zealand by 4-1. Starting the series with three dominating victories, India suffered a destructive defeat in the fourth ODI after getting bundled out for just 92 runs.
In the fifth and final ODI of the series at Wellington, India clinched a remarkable victory by 35 runs. Observing this superiority in international cricket, Harbhajan Singh is highly impressed with everyone’s efforts.
After India won the Wellington ODI, the off-spinner told India Today, “There’s no doubt India are far superior team in world cricket at the moment. We were thinking, matches in New Zealand will be bit tough but it shows how strong this Indian team is. We keep talking about an opposition being weak but we should also reflect on our team and see how strong they are. India is technically, mentally… in fact in all departments of the game very strong. They have worked really hard and are getting the right result. It’s very heartening to see the way Indian team is moving forward. A lot of credit must be given to Virat Kohli and the management for setting really, really high standards.”
So glad to see the kind of form Hardik Pandya is in
During that ODI series in New Zealand, the all-rounder Hardik Pandya returned to the international cricket after more than four months later. In his early period of the comeback, the all-rounder has provided some tremendous on-field performances. When India was struggling in the fifth ODI of the series, the 25-year-old played a brilliant knock of 45 runs off 22 balls. Later, he also picked up two crucial wickets in that game.
Harbhajan Singh said, “Hardik was fantastic with the bat and of course with the ball. I am so glad to see the kind of form he is in. He put the controversy aside. He made sure that nobody talks about his cricket. I am so glad that he is performing really well and he is a very, very important member of the Indian team. I am happy for him. He is delivering with the bat and ball and these are good signs for Team India.”
Ambati Rayudu has always been a class player
In the Wellington ODI, India was struggling on 18/4 at one stage. Ambati Rayudu played a magnificent knock of 90 runs off 113 balls and had a crucial role for India’s victory in that ODI.
The Indian off-spinner praised him by saying, “Ambati Rayudu has always been a class player. He has got the temperament to score runs in big games and I am really happy with his progress in international cricket. I am so glad he performed really well today. I hope he continues to work hard on his game.”
Jasprit Bumrah is the Virat Kohli of the Indian bowling attack
Harbhajan Singh highly lauded on the Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who was in rest from the entire New Zealand tour. Bhajji feels that India is lucky to have him. The off-spinner believes Jasprit Bumrah is the Virat Kohli of the Indian bowling attack. Moreover, he also praised the entire pace bowling unit.
Harbhajan Singh quoted, “Jasprit Bumrah is by far the No.1 bowler for Team India. We are lucky that he is playing for India and not for any other country. he’s lethal and a match-winner. I always say he’s the Virat Kohli of Indian bowling attack. With him whether it’s Bhuvneshwar, Shami or Umesh, who is doing really well in domestic cricket. I think Umesh should also be part of one day side. It’s so heartening to see that we have a fast bowling unit that can bowl over 140 consistently. We never had this kind of luxury as far as the fast bowling department is concerned. When Jasprit Bumrah returns, this team will be even more difficult to beat.”
Many experts believe that India is a favourite side for the upcoming 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. Harbhajan Singh’s words are also pointing out in the same direction.