Harbhajan Singh has his doubts over Team India’s decision to include
both off-spinners Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin for the three ODIs against Australia beginning on Friday.

The selection of both Sundar and Ashwin for this series implies the Indian team management wants to have a look at the duo before finalising their ODI World Cup squad by September 28.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former India off-spinner said: “First Washington Sundar, who wasn’t in the original Asia Cup squad, was called up there.

“After that, a second player has been added for this series and that is R. Ashwin. So, somewhere or the other, Team India are searching for off-spinners.

“It’s possible that if either of them (Sundar or Ashwin) gives an extraordinary performance, he can get a place in the squad for the World Cup. So a lot is at stake because Ashwin can become a part of this team and even Sundar can.

“It seems Team India have probably realised their mistake of not having picked an off-spinner in the team (for the World Cup) initially and that our bowlers can get into trouble if a lot of left-handers come in front of them. Why unnecessarily go through all this?

“It is beyond my understanding or they are going to make another mistake to rectify their earlier mistake.”

Harbhajan feels left-armers Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav will be the ones to take care of India’s spin attack in the World Cup as the XI will not be consisting of more than two spinners.

“You’ll never pick three spinners in the team. You will choose two at the most.

“Ravindra Jadeja is definitely going to play, no matter how many left-handers are there in the opposition, and the other spinner will be Kuldeep Yadav. No one can take his place as of now.”

Harbhajan was once again surprised over the non-selection of leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal for the Australia ODIs. It’s beyond my understanding. Either he has fought with someone or said something to someone. I don’t know,” Harbhajan stated.