'They may have to take some tough calls'- Harbhajan Singh laments India's narrow defeat to South Africa

India's unbeaten run in the ongoing T20 World Cup was snapped in half after tasting defeat in a close encounter against South Africa in Perth. The Proteas defeated Rohit Sharma's side by five wickets in a game dominated by the fast bowlers on a lively surface on Sunday, 30th of October. Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh feels India should make 'some tough calls' after the defeat.

While the Indian bowlers made a fight out of a below-par total on the board, KL Rahul's lean run with the bat was on show against the South Africans. The stylish opening batter, in his three innings in the competition so far, has failed to breach the double figures. His woeful form at the top is cause for concern for the Indian team.

Former Indian ace Harbhajan Singh feels that the Men in Blue might need to take a few tough decisions, including the omission of Rahul from the starting eleven. Harbhajan reckoned that explosive wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant can be drafted into the team, especially with Dinesh Karthik sustaining an injury against the Proteas.

"They may have to take some tough calls, the team has to think about it going forward. KL Rahul is a great player. We all know that he is a match-winner. But if he is struggling with his form like this, I think you should bring in Rishabh Pant. Karthik looks injured, I don't know what his status is. If he is not, Rishabh Pant can open the innings with Rohit Sharma," Harbhajan said on Sports Tak.

India should bring Yuzvendra Chahal in place of Ashwin: Harbhajan Singh

Rohit Sharma's bowlers did not disappoint their skipper and pushed South Africa all the way despite a mediocre total on the board. But India's decision to persist with veteran offie Ravichandran Ashwin backfired in the game as he was taken for 43 runs in his four overs. His expensive bowling spell eased the pressure on the Protean batters, who got over the line with two deliveries to spare.

"I also feel they should bring Yuzvendra Chahal in place of Ashwin. He is a bowler who takes wickets. You don't mind giving away runs as long as you take 2-3 wickets. Chahal is a big match-winner, and he is among the highest-ranked T20 bowlers in the world. Chahal has made his reputation by taking wickets, he has proven he is a big-match winner in these smaller formats. I don't think there is a better leg-spinner than him," he added.