Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has revealed his preferred Indian playing XI for the first Test against the West Indies, which is set to commence on July 12 at Windsor Park in Dominica. Following India’s defeat in the World Test Championship final, this match marks their return to the field, and they will be aiming to kickstart the new cycle with a victory.
Harbhajan, in a video shared on his YouTube channel, expressed his thoughts on the team composition for the opening Test. He advocated for the retention of Shubman Gill as the opening batter alongside skipper Rohit Sharma. Furthermore, Harbhajan suggested that Yashasvi Jaiswal should be given an opportunity to bat at the crucial No. 3 position.
“According to me, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill should open, and Yashasvi Jaiswal should play at No. 3. A lot of people were saying that Yashasvi should be made to open and Shubman should be played down the order – I don’t think so because Shubman has made it his own place. I will play Yashasvi at No. 3. I hope he makes his debut and scores a lot of runs,” stated Harbhajan.
In line with expectations, the spin maestro included Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane in his XI, filling the No. 4 and No. 5 slots, respectively. Harbhajan’s bowling department consisted of the trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Mohammed Siraj. Interestingly, he also included Jaydev Unadkat in the lineup, emphasizing Unadkat’s consistent performances in domestic cricket despite limited opportunities at the international level.
“Ravindra Jadeja at No. 6, R Ashwin or KS Bharat at No. 7. If Ashwin bats at No. 7, then KS Bharat at No. 8. Then I will see Mohammed Siraj at No. 9. Along with him, I will see Jaydev Unadkat because he has been performing in domestic cricket for a long time and he hasn’t got many opportunities,” added Harbhajan.
Harbhajan Singh’s India XI for the first Test against West Indies: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Srikar Bharat, Mohammed Siraj, Jaydev Unadkat, Mukesh Kumar
