Harbhajan Singh was effusive in his admiration for KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, who shared a match-winning 195-run stand in India’s second innings of the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds, on Monday, June 23.
Pant was the more flamboyant member of the pair, combining caution and aggression to frustrate England’s bowlers. The Indian vice-captain scored 118 runs off only 140 balls, including 15 fours and three sixes. Meanwhile, Rahul took a monk-like attitude to his batting, dropping anchor and wearing down the opposition bowling lineup.
While analysing Rahul’s knock, Harbhajan praised his cool and solid defence. The former India off-spinner compared Rahul’s batting to the legendary Rahul Dravid.
“We must also praise KL Rahul.
Calm, composed, and strong defence. Solid player with the game. He understands how to play the game according to the circumstances. During the first hour, he left the ball, played it close to his body, and even played drives. He reminds us of Rahul Dravid. “Brilliant hundred,” Harbhajan stated on his YouTube page.
The cricketer-turned-commentator was relieved to see Pant blazing on all cylinders following a disappointing showing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Harbhajan stated that as long as he plays well for India, it makes little difference how he performs overseas.
“Pant demonstrated his class with back-to-back centuries. Rishabh Pant is back in form. It doesn’t matter how the IPL went; what matters is that you play for India. I am extremely pleased with the manner he maintained his form and batted responsibly,” Harbhajan remarked.
One more good day of cricket, and triumph is yours: Harbhajan Singh
Shardul Thakur bowled only six overs in England’s first innings. Harbhajan pushed Shubman Gill to employ the Mumbai all-rounder more with the ball in the fourth innings, citing his ability to pick more wickets. The 44-year-old believes India can win if they perform well on Day 5 of the first Test.
“India has the opportunity. I hope this also applies to Siraj, Bumrah, Prasidh, and Shardul. I keep advising you to utilise Shardul if you are playing him. He can get you two or three wickets. Shardul Thakur possesses the ability. He has previously taken wickets in Test cricket. They should use him, bowl him, and not waste this opportunity since we don’t know how the pitch will be in the next game. “One more good day of cricket, and victory will be yours,” he reasoned.
Harbhajan feels that India should look to win the first session on Day 5. He said that England might settle for a draw if they lose early wickets.
“England we have seen in recent times, since bazball, they go after runs and score at a quick pace and have that motive. The first hour is crucial for both teams. India have the runs, 350 runs are a lot to fight and win. If India can get the first session to their name and pick 2-3 wickets, then England will be seen in trouble. They should be brought in trouble whether they should play defense or look to score. If they lose 2-3 wickets I feel they will go for a draw,” he explained.
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