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Published 10:29 IST, December 26th 2023

'This became a heated discussion': Harbhajan sends advice to Rohit on 'biggest debate' of Tests

Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, Indian Cricket legend Harbhajan Singh has sent out some advice to Rohit Sharma in order to have an advantage over SA.

Reported by: Pavitra Shome
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Indian Cricket Team
The Indian Cricket Team celebrate after taking a wicket | Image: AP

The Indian Cricket team will have a colossal task today. After coming off as the winner in the ODI series, the Men in Blue will be up against the Proteas in a two-match test series. Team India has never won a test series against the hosts; The only time they did not lose was when the series ended in a draw. Rohit Sharma and co need to win the test match to assert their dominance in the red-ball format, and the captain needs to make some crucial decisions in terms of squad selection.  

3 things you need to know 

  • The first test match between India and South Africa will be played today
  • India won the ODI series against SA with a 2-1 lead
  • The T20I series between both teams ended in a draw

Also Read: India vs South Africa 1st Test: Weather, Pitch Report, Dream11, Fantasy Tips and Predicted XI

Former India spinner has advice for Rohit Sharma ahead of Boxing Day test

Former India Cricketer Harbhajan Singh advised Rohit Sharma to make sensible and smart decisions ahead of the Boxing Day test match in South Africa. While speaking on his YouTube channel, the spinner brought up the team's decision to bench R Ashwin and play Shardul Thakur in the WTC Final. While he backed that decision, Singh wants Ashwin to be in the Playing squad against South Africa.

"The biggest debate is whether Shardul should play or Ashwin, this topic became a heated discussion during the World Test Championship. The conditions there were different because the ball seams on Day 1 so I feel Shardul was the right choice according to those conditions. There was a lot of grass on the wicket, even though he couldn't make an impact I feel the decision was right," Bhajji said. 

"I feel the conditions will be hot, the pitch will be hard, the bounce will be there, and you have three pacers, so I think India should go with two spinners. I feel South Africa would love to face pace, so I think you should play to your strength. I feel Ashwin should play, but I don't see that happening," Harbhajan Singh mentioned.

R Ashwin in action against Team India | Image: AP

Also Read: Team India's dismal Test record in South Africa, only 1 captain has managed to draw a series

Team India will face South Africa in a two-match test series against South Africa and will look to end the losing streak that the team has against the Proteas.

Updated 12:49 IST, December 26th 2023