In the aftermath of India’s defeat to South Africa in the opening Test at Centurion, former cricketer Harbhajan Singh has voiced strong criticism against the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors, describing their decisions as “clueless.” Singh particularly questioned the exclusion of Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara from the squad.
Harbhajan expressed dismay over Rahane’s absence, emphasizing his valuable contributions in overseas conditions. However, he was notably more disturbed by Pujara’s exclusion, stating that Pujara’s batting style might be slow but has proven crucial in securing victories for India, especially in Australia and England.
The off-spinner highlighted Pujara’s significant role in India’s Test wins, pointing out that Pujara’s contributions were comparable to those of Virat Kohli in the World Test Championship cycle. Pujara was India’s second-highest run-scorer in the previous cycle, amassing 928 runs at an average of 32.00.
India now faces an uphill battle to draw the series as they prepare for the second Test against South Africa on January 3 at Cape Town’s Newlands Cricket Ground.
