• Home
  • Who Said What
  • I Dont Want Harbhajan Suggests Indias Batting Order For Australia Odis

'I Don't Want..', Harbhajan Suggests India's Batting Order For Australia ODIs

image-lmu2ra93KL Rahul made a stunning comeback during Asia Cup 2023 (Twitter)

In a recent YouTube video, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh called on the Indian cricket team management to retain KL Rahul as the No. 4 batter for the upcoming ODI series at home against Australia, starting Friday.

Harbhajan advocates for Rahul at No. 4 & Iyer at No. 3

The Indian veteran highlighted Rahul's strong performance at the No. 4 position during Asia Cup 2023 and suggested that the batting order should remain unchanged.

Harbhajan argued that Shreyas Iyer could fit well at the No. 3 position, insisting that any adjustments to the lineup shouldn't come at the expense of KL Rahul's current position. He expressed concern that moving Rahul down to No. 5 could disrupt his form while also providing space for players like Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav.

"I hope Shreyas Iyer does well batting at No. 3. We cannot make him bat anywhere below that. KL Rahul has been fantastic at No. 4 and I don't want his position to be changed. India should not demote him to No. 5 to give Shreyas Iyer or Suryakumar Yadav a chance. However, KL can choose to bat at No. 3, and Shreyas can be the No. 4,” said Harbhajan.

Furthermore, Harbhajan touched upon the likely selection dilemma between Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin for the all-rounder's spot. 

He speculated that Sundar would probably be the preferred choice for the first ODI against Australia, pointing out that the Tamil Nadu lad was also selected for the Asia Cup 2023 final in Sri Lanka.

"India will have to choose between Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin. I feel Sundar will get the nod because he was also called to Sri Lanka for the Asia Cup final. He didn't get much to do in that game. So, I think he should be India's No. 8 in the first ODI,” added the erstwhile cricketer.

With regular skipper Rohit Sharma unavailable for the first two ODIs, Rahul is slated to lead the Men in Blue. Harbhajan also revealed his chosen lineup for the opening match, which includes Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah.