Harbhajan Singh asserts Indians have the credentials to defend ICC Champions Trophy

The veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh in an interview suggested that the Indian Cricket team have what it takes to defend the Champions Trophy title which is scheduled to start from 2nd June in England.

The right-arm off spinner from Punjab, who holds the record most number of wickets in Tests for India only after Kapil Dev and Anil Kumble, stated that the team has the stability, strength, and ability to defend the title in the upcoming tournament.

The former Indian international who played his last match in Indian colors in March 2016 against UAE in Dhaka, went ahead and commented that if the team is at the top of their game, there’s no stopping Indians to win the tournament.

“India is the defending champion, and I sincerely believe that we have the strength, ability, and stability to defend our crown. We just need to be at the top of our game”, said Harbhajan as quoted as saying by indianexpress.com. However, he believes that all eight teams in the competition would have equal chances to lift the trophy but India will take on the field as favorites.

“Let’s not forget that this tournament will feature the world’s eight top-ranked teams. So every team is going to fancy its chances. It will come down to the team that holds its nerve on the day.If you ask me to stick my neck out and predict the winner, I will happily say India. Yes, I believe this team can defend the title it won in 2013.” quoting the spinner who’s currently playing for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. He also emphasized the importance of performing well in the event as a dress rehearsal for the ICC World Cup 2019 which will be played at the same venues more or less.

“The weather and pitch conditions in England are unique, and a few days of tune-up will only help.This year, the ICC Champions Trophy assumes extra significance because the World Cup is just two years away, and will be played in the same conditions”, added Harbhajan. He further quipped that good performances in these ICC events hold the key for team building and establishment of strategies.

“In bilateral ties, you win some and you lose some. However, tournaments like these literally define the two, three or four years that you may have invested in the process of team building, defining clear-cut roles and formulating team strategies,” concluded the offie.

India plays Pakistan at Edgbaston, Birmingham on 4th June to kick off their endeavor for defending their title in the 18-day long tournament.