‘His role was completely changed’ - Harbhajan Singh picks Indian players to watch out for in Super 8s

Team India secured their berth in the Super Eight stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup with three straight wins. India topped the Group A points table with seven points after their final group-stage match against Canada ended without in No Result due to a wet outfield.

While the tournament has so far witnessed low-scoring encounters and the 'minnows' getting past some of the favourites, the Men in Blue have maintained their reputation and are seen as strong contenders to lift the title. They had some hiccups against Pakistan, but a strong comeback in the latter half of the second innings made it one of their most remarkable wins against the arch-rivals.

Meanwhile, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh heaped massive praise on Rohit Sharma & Co. for their unbeaten run thus far in the tournament. When asked about the key Indian players to watch out for at the World Cup Super8 stage, the veteran off-spinner said one or the other players will rise to the occasion, citing the example of the India-Pakistan match.

“The biggest positive is that when you are in trouble, how do you get out of it?  One or the other player raised his hand and did his job that day. Jasprit Bumrah’s spell, Rizwan hit a bad shot and got out, after that the energy team showed up was commendable. All those who were asleep they woke up and pulled the match from that situation while defending a small score. It was not a common thing to win the match against Pakistan from their claws,” Harbhajan said to Star Sports.

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The Indian team had to defend a target of 120 runs against Babar Azam's men at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. Following a subpar total, Pakistan were well ahead in the contest but Jasprit Bumrah took the wicket of Mohammad Rizwan in the 15th over, and it was the moment that turned the game more in India's favour.

Bhajji also lauded vice-captain Hardik Pandya and keeper-batter Rishabh Pant. Pandya has had a forgettable campaign in IPL 2024, with both bat and bowl, but he is giving his best in the World Cup. The former cricketer pointed out that playing Pant at No. 3 was a brilliant move. The southpaw is currently India’s top-scorer with 96 runs.

“The biggest positive is that Hardik Pandya took the wicket. He was the fourth bowler in this tournament. But if you look at his wicket tally, he has done much better than what was expected of him,” the 43-year-old said.

“Along with him, Rishabh Pant played at number 3. His role was completely changed. Before this World Cup, we were saying that Sanju Samson will play in the team because he has made big runs. To make Rishabh Pant play at number 3 is a big positive. Left-Right combination is formed when Rishabh Pant plays at number 3,” he added.

Challenges come in front of those who are brave: Harbhajan

India are placed in the Super 8 stage along with Australia, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Their first assignment is against Afghanistan in Barbados on June 20. According to Harbhajan, there are many positives, challenges and difficulties for India as they enter the Super8 stage. However, he backed the boys saying they are a brave team of players.

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“There are a lot of positives. Of course, there are challenges and difficulties. But the challenges come in front of those who are brave. This team is a team of brave players. They fought well and played very well. Because of this, they topped the group," the 2007 World Cup-winner concluded.