• Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed a young talent to take on a high-pressure No.3 spot in England conditions.

  • India will take on England in the five-match Test series, starting June 20.

India’s No. 3 in Tests vs England? Harbhajan Singh makes his choice
Harbhajan Singh picks his ideal no.3 (Image Source: X)

As the Indian cricket team gets ready for a tough five-match Test series in England, former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has shared who he thinks should bat at the Number 3 position. This tour also marks the start of a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for India, making team selection even more important. With a few senior players missing out and some young names to join the squad, choosing the right playing XI will be key to starting the series well.

Harbhajan reveals who should bat at No. 3 for India in England Tests

According to IANS, Harbhajan believes that Sai Sudharsan should be allowed to bat at No. 3. The young left-hander is in excellent form and is coming off an impressive IPL season. Harbhajan feels Sudharsan’s solid technique and recent performances make him a strong candidate for the role, and possibly a long-term solution at that position.

“In my opinion, Sai Sudharsan should play at No.3. He’s a left-hander, in top form, and just came off a very impressive IPL. His technique is sound, and I believe he could be the solution at that position,” Harbhajan stated.

Also WATCH: Rishabh Pant shatters stadium roof with massive six during net session ahead of the ENG vs IND Test series

Meanwhile, Harbhajan also emphasized the importance of self-belief within the team, stating that the current squad has the talent to succeed. He highlighted that players like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant were part of the young group that famously ended Australia’s unbeaten run at the Gabba. According to him, this is another big moment for them to create history, and they must seize the opportunity with full determination.

“The team needs to believe in themselves , believe that they can win. This team has the ability. These are the same youngsters — Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, who broke Australia’s fortress at the Gabba. Now it’s their turn to make history again. The opportunity is massive, and they should grab it with both hands,” Harbhajan concluded.

A young team Indian ready for England series

With three of India’s modern greats, Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli,  recently retiring from Test cricket, a new era has dawned for the Indian team. The baton of leadership now rests with Gill, who leads a relatively young and evolving squad into uncharted territory. While the absence of experienced stalwarts may appear daunting, this emerging unit has already displayed remarkable composure and skill, particularly with the bat. Players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Kumar Reddy have brought fresh energy and a fearless approach to the red-ball game. The team’s recent performances reflect a growing maturity and hunger to succeed on the biggest stage. Facing Ben Stokes’ seasoned England side will be a stern challenge, but India’s new-look team seems prepared for the fight. With Gill’s calm leadership and a pool of versatile talent, they could spring surprises and redefine their identity in the post-Kohli era.

Also READ: Sourav Ganguly voices concern over Shreyas Iyer’s snub from India’s Test squad for England tour

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About the Author:
Varun Verma is a dedicated cricket enthusiast with a flair for storytelling and in-depth analysis. Combining a deep knowledge of the sport with a talent for engaging content creation, he brings the drama and thrill of the game to life for fans around the world. Drawing inspiration from the grit and passion of players like Ben Stokes, Varun aspires to one day experience the electrifying atmosphere of a Test match at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. He can be reached at varun.verma@crickettimes.com and followed on LinkedIn and X.