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"Have to take tough calls..."- Harbhajan Singh suggests two major changes India should make after SA loss

 

India's winning journey in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2022 was stopped on Sunday at Perth Stadium, when South Africa won the game by 5 wickets. That loss has certainly made the Indian team think about their plans and the areas that need to be addressed.

India's batting failed badly, and now the Men in Blue will have to wait to qualify for the semis. On the other hand, India needs to win their remaining games against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe to make it to the semi-finals.

The loss on Sunday has certainly raised some questions about India's plan, and former Indian spinner and member of the 2007 and 2011 World Cup-winning teams, Harbhajan Singh, has shared his opinion and reckons that India need to make a few tough calls if they want to make it to the next round.

In a discussion with Sports Tak, Harbhajan Singh said that the thinktank needs to take a look at their plans. He also highlighted that star opener KL Rahul, who is struggling with form, might be given a rest in the upcoming games. Bhajji, also known as Rishabh Pant, can open the innings with Rohit Sharma.

Notably, veteran wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik had some back issues during the game against South Africa on Sunday, and he left the field in the match. It was Rishabh Pant, who was called to do the keeping duties in DK's absence.

Pant hasn't got any chance in the three games India has played so far. Bhajji also said that Pant could replace Karthik if he is not fully fit and could open the innings with Rohit.

He said, "if KL Rahul is struggling with his form like this, I think you should bring in Rishabh Pant. Karthik looks injured. If he is not, Rishabh Pant can open the innings with Rohit Sharma. You get a left-right combination like that. You can also bring in Deepak Hooda and he can even bowl a few overs."

On the other hand, the former off-spinner also added that dropping Yuzi Chahal was a big mistake that India was making. The leg-spinner has warmed the bench in all three games that India have played. Instead of him, India has picked veteran off-spinner Ravi Ashwin, who also hasn't had a good tournament so far.

Bhajji said that Chahal is a match-winner and if he is playing, he is the wicket-taking option for Rohit. That makes him the top-ranked T20 bowler in the world right now. In their remaining games, India will face Bangladesh on November 2 and Zimbabwe on November 6.