The countdown for the T20 World Cup 2024 has begun, with the selectors and the Indian group administration working to determine the proper mixture for the marquee occasion. When it involves spinners, one title that has been ignored of late is that of wrist spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. For India legend Harbhajan Singh, Chahal is the primary title that goes on the Indian teamsheet in terms of T20 World Cup 2024 squad. Hence, the Turbanator stays baffled questioning the explanation behind Chahal’s absence.

“I would keep Yuzvendra Chahal ahead (for the first slot among spinners),” Harbhajan mentioned in a chat with Hindustan Times when requested about his top-three spin picks for the T20 World Cup.

“He is being ignored; I don’t know why. I don’t think he knows as well. But even today, I don’t think there is a better leg-spinner in the country. And I don’t think there is a braver spinner than him. He has a very sharp mind. The second spinner for me would be Ravindra Jadeja. You have to have an off-spinner in Washington Sundar as properly. Now, what selectors suppose, what the administration thinks, is a distinct factor,” Harbhajan mentioned on the sidelines of the International League T20 (ILT20) within the UAE.

Harbhajan feels the pitches within the West Indies and the USA might be much like India, therefore spinners will play an enormous function.

“Pitches will be pretty similar, like India. Spinners will play a big role. I’ve been to the West Indies on many occasions, and I’ve seen there’s always something for the spinners. Hence, it is important to pick the right attack. You cannot look past the conditions because they will be similar to the subcontinent. You have to make the team keeping in mind the conditions. You need to have at least three spinners in your squad,” mentioned Harbhajan.

“I have a different perspective in this case. We need experience. When you are making a team for the World Cup, you need to have experience. Yes, your combination was affected a little. The players who played in the past year have been good, but in big tournaments like World Cups, you need to have experience in the team,” mentioned Harbhajan.

“Bazball won’t work. The conditions are going to be pretty difficult for England. Pitches will turn from the first day, and if you have an accurate spinner, he will take wickets. On both sides, actually. Toss becomes pretty important on such wickets. I don’t think England have a chance unless there isn’t much to offer for spinners,” mentioned the spin icon.