The premium off-spinner of his time Harbhajan Singh has hailed the all-round efforts of Virat Kohli-led Team India for clinching the five-match One-day International series 3-0 at the Bay Oval with two matches to go against hosts New Zealand. He added the Indian National Cricket Team could do better even if Kohli would be enjoying the time off.
With top-order batsman Kohli taking a much-needed rest, Rohit Sharma will lead Team India for the remainder of the ODIs and three-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series against the Black Caps.
“This team is on auto-pilot mode, and such is the culture in the team that whether Virat Kohli is in the side or not,” Harbhajan told India Today.
With the seven-wicket comprehensive win by seven wickets on January 28 (Monday), the Men in Blue took an unassailable lead of 3-0 in the ongoing Netmeds series. Earlier, India thrashed bleak-looking Australia by winning their first-ever bilateral series on the Aussie soil.
The 38-year-old veteran Harbhajan New Zealand is far better than Australia, but India as a team has been clinical with performances to get better of their tough opponents.
“This current New Zealand is definitely a better team than Australia but don’t forget how well India played. New Zealand is a good team, but India were better,” Harbhajan said.
Harbhajan happy with imperative performances:
The prominent bowler Harbhajan, who himself represented India in 236 ODIs revealed they look at other teams to heap praises on their way of playing the cricket, but at the same time, we forget how our team has been doing the job with such dedication and commitment respectively.
Furthermore, Harbhajan is delighted to see Indian national players shouldering the responsibility.
“Sometimes, we look to the other teams play well and we forget how good our own team is and that no team can stand in front of our team. It is great to see the way our team is playing. Everyone is in form,” Harbhajan added.
Ahead of the Kiwis tour, many cricketing pundits were of the view that India will face a stern test against the No.3 ranked Kiwis in the ICC’s ODI team rankings. However, the visitors put up an excellent show to pile miseries upon the Black Caps.
Harbhajan hails Mohammed Shami:
Mohammed Shami, who starred with the bowl, has bowled his heart out in Mount Maunganui. He was adjudged Man of the Match for his figures of three for 41 in nine overs.
Besides, Harbhajan has voiced his opinion that Shami should make it to the squad of the quadrennial event.
“I would like to talk about Mohammed Shami. He has been phenomenal. He is someone who India will need at the World Cup. And it is so good to see him picking up those wickets and winning the man-of-the-match,” Harbhajan said on Shami.
Harbhan happy with the developments ahead of the 2019 World Cup:
Also, Harbhajan believes India has multiple options available to rely on ahead of the 2019 World Cup. He added it’s a good sign to see Team India mounting pressure on the opposition early on.
Apart from this, Harbhajan remarked Kohli would be elated for the World Cup buildup. Also, the ICC’s coveted event will kick off on May 30 at Kennington Oval in London.
“India are playing different combinations in different conditions, and it’s all working. It’s a good headache to have. Virat Kohli will be happy that India have a great chance to win the World Cup. These are great signs for Indian cricket,” Harbhajan concluded.
As of now, India leads the Black Caps by 3-0, Hamilton will host the penultimate ODI on January 31 (Thursday).