[Exclusive] I wish Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli come back in form soon: Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh, who is regarded as one of the greatest bowlers of all time and is third-highest wicket-taker for India across all formats, returned to the ongoing 2025 edition of the DP World ILT20 as tournament ambassador. The Punjab-born bagged a whopping 711 international wickets across formats in a career spanning 18 years.

The veteran has been an integral part of the UAE-based tournament since its inception in 2023. The 44-year-old along with Pakistan’s great pacer Shoaib Akhtar returned as ambassadors for the six-team competition in the UAE

Also Read: ILT20 2025: Harbhajan Singh, Shoaib Akhtar return as tournament ambassadors

In an exclusive conversation with CricTracker on the sidelines of the DP World ILT20 2025, Harbhajan discussed his views about including Indian players in this marquee event. He also opened up on Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and batting stalwart Virat Kohli's poor form.

The off-spinner also picked his four favourites for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be played in Pakistan and UAE across February and March. He also reflected on India's young batting sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal's selection in India's squad for the Champions Trophy.

Excerpts

1. What do you think if Indian players are added to ILT20?

I think it will become a blockbuster then because wherever Indian players go they just take over and shine.

2. Who are the favourites to win the Champions Trophy 2025?

Australia and India. But you cannot take out Pakistan from such competitions and also New Zealand. So these will be the four semi-finalists according to me.

3. Rohit Sharma hasn't been able to score even after coming back to domestic cricket. What is the problem he is facing right now and what should he do to correct it?

The problem he is dealing with [is something] only he knows, I will only wish that he comes back to form at the earliest because an important tournament [Champions Trophy] is coming up. Look lot of players go through this phase in their lives. But champions are those who come out of it and once again go on to show their brilliance to the world. I am hoping Rohit and all his other partners, including Virat Kohli didn't have the best of the series in Australia so they all come in form and we enjoy watching them play, score runs, and win games for India.

Also Read: 'India didn’t lose because wives and partners were there' - Harbhajan Singh questions BCCI's 10-point guideline

4. What are your views on Yashasvi Jaiswal's selection in India's Champions Trophy 2025 squad, considering he has not played ODI cricket. Do you think he is the right choice?

I was one of the first ones to be in support of his inclusion and his getting a chance to be in the playing XI. Because if doesn't play now, then when will he play? And left-right combination is always right; if you get him at the top, then it's brilliant cause he plays freely without any pressure. He is playing very well currently and I think he should be in the XI.