'You have to bring ‘Kulcha’ back' - Harbhajan Singh bats for Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion in India's T20 WC squad

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has batted for Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup later this year, saying the two spinners shouldn’t have been dropped at the first place. A couple of years ago, the ‘Kul-Cha’ duo was a vital part of India’s white-ball teams due to their ability to take wickets in the middle overs.

However, their form dipped post the 2019 World Cup and subsequently, they faced the axe as well. In fact, none of the two spinners featured in the T20 World Cup 2021. Nonetheless, the two wrist spinners have roared back to form and are enjoying a sensational run in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. While Chahal is leading the Purple Cap race with 19 wickets in 10 games, Kuldeep is on the second place with 18 scalps.

I don’t know why selectors broke that partnership: Harbhajan Singh

As the duo has been on a roll this season, many fans and experts want them to operate in tandem in the Indian jersey. Harbhajan is also of the same opinion as he questioned the BCCI selectors to drop them at the first place.

“I don’t know why they (selectors) broke that partnership which was doing well for India. I certainly believe that you have to bring ‘Kulcha’ back, Kuldeep and Yuzvendra, I think they have been brilliant for Team India. When they played together, they took wickets in the middle overs, whether it was T20s, ODIs or any format, they played together, they were very successful,” Harbhajan said at the launch event of Dream Set Go, also attended by former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman.

“It will be great to see them bowling in Australia, where the grounds are big and they both are quality bowlers. Their mentality is always to take wickets,” he added. Notably, this year’s T20 World Cup will take place in Australia where spinners aren’t likely to get a lot of assistance. Moreover, India have a quality spin-bowling all-rounder in the form of Ravindra Jadeja. Hence, it would be interesting to see how India’s final squad would look like.