India's Road to Glory: Harbhajan’s Call for Belief and Patience

Harbhajan Singh Backs India’s Young Test Squad, Questions Iyer’s Snub Ahead of England Tour

As India enters a new era of Test cricket, legendary spinner Harbhajan Singh has voiced his support for the youthful squad heading to England, urging both the players and fans to embrace the transition with belief, courage, and patience. With senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R. Ashwin stepping away from the format, the team now looks to the future under 25-year-old Shubman Gill, appointed as Test captain for the first time. Rishabh Pant will serve as vice-captain.

Speaking at the launch of the Vidarbha Cricket League, Harbhajan emphasized that India's success in the challenging five-Test series will depend as much on mindset as it does on skill. “These are the same youngsters who broke Australia’s fortress at the Gabba,” he said, referencing the famous 2021 victory. “It’s their turn to create history again.”

Notably, Harbhajan questioned the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer from the squad, calling him “a proven player in limited-overs cricket” who deserved a chance in the red-ball setup. “If I were a selector, I’d have considered him. But this is not the end for him. His journey is long, and he could even be a future ODI captain,” Harbhajan added.

He also offered his thoughts on India’s batting order, suggesting that in-form left-hander Sai Sudharsan could be a strong candidate for the No. 3 position. “He’s technically sound and coming off a solid IPL season. He could be a reliable option in English conditions,” Harbhajan noted.

With India’s World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle beginning on June 20 at Headingley, the series will be a major test of India’s new generation. Harbhajan called on fans and critics alike to support the young team as they navigate this critical phase of transition. “Give them time. Just because they don’t win immediately doesn’t mean they’ve failed. They need backing, not pressure,” he said.

As India prepares for this defining series, Harbhajan’s words are both a reminder and a rallying cry — the future of Indian cricket is here, and it’s time to believe in it.