'He has to play all matches': Harbhajan Singh names India's 'ace of spade' for World Cup

In a thrilling turn of events during India's recent clash against Australia in Indore, the spotlight shifted from the victory itself to the selection dilemma that now plagues the Indian cricket team just days before the commencement of the World Cup campaign on home soil. In the absence of big names like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, the bench strength stepped up to make a case for themselves in the Playing XI. 

3 things you need to know

• India defeated Australia by 99 runs (DLS method) in the 2nd ODI
• India have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ODI series 
• India will face Australia in the 3rd ODI on September 27 

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Harbhajan bats for Suryakumar's inclusion in Playing XI 

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh expressed his strong endorsement for star batter Suryakumar Yadav, dubbing him the "ace of spades" in the Indian World Cup squad. Harbhajan argued that Suryakumar's name should be at the top of the team sheet, setting the tone for the rest of the lineup.

Team India's performance in the rain-affected 2nd ODI against Australia was nothing short of spectacular, resulting in a convincing 99-run victory on the DLS method. However, the celebration was marred by the pressing issue of finalising the middle-order positions, with four players vying for just two spots – No. 4 and 5.

Suryakumar Yadav, who had struggled to replicate his T20 batting brilliance in the 50-over format, silenced his critics with his breathtaking innings of 72 not out in the 2nd ODI. In the same match, Shreyas Iyer, who had been grappling with a back injury, made a remarkable comeback by notching up a century. Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul also showcased their excellent form, leaving the team management with a selection conundrum.

Middle-order dilemma for Indian management

Harbhajan, while not delving directly into the middle-order selection dilemma, vociferously supported Suryakumar's inclusion in the World Cup playing XI. Speaking on his YouTube channel ahead of India's final ODI against Australia in Rajkot, Harbhajan emphasised that Suryakumar's name should be the first one jotted down on the team sheet, with the rest following suit.

"Surykaumar Yadav has to play all the matches. I don't care whom he replaces, but his name should be taken first and then the rest. You have a player who is a pure match winner and can single-handedly make the game one-sided. He is the ace of spades. We have have been taking about a finisher...he is the one. He has to play at No. 5 for India," Harbhajan said.

With the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who were rested for the first two matches against Australia, fans eagerly await India's batting lineup in Rajkot, hoping to see whether Suryakumar's star continues to shine brightly in the upcoming World Cup.