Harbhajan Singh Picks India XI For Ind vs NZ T20 WC Clash, Replaces KL Rahul As Opener

Harbhajan Singh left out Suryakumar Yadav from his India XI and suggested that with Ishan Kisha and Rohit Sharma as openers, KL Rahul should come to bat down at number four.

Photo: AFP

New Delhi: After heart-breaking loss against arch-rivals Pakistan, India will play its next match against New Zealand. Winning is very important for India in the match against New Zealand, set to be played on October 31 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, because if India loses against Kiwis, then they will have to struggle a lot to make it to the T20 World Cup semi-finals. Ahead of the much-awaited India vs New Zealand World Cup clash, India's senior spinner Harbhajan Singh has named his India's XI.

While speaking on his Youtube channel, the spinner said said, "I feel it's important for Ishan Kishan to play. If Ishan Kishan opens with Rohit Sharma, India can get the start they are looking for. If he plays six overs, the score wont be 40-45 but can be 60-66 because Kishan is an explosive batsman. If he is on crease every bowler will be under pressure." 

Harbhajan Singh left out Suryakumar Yadav from his India XI and suggested that with Ishan Kisha and Rohit Sharma as openers, KL Rahul should come to bat down at number four.

"I will have Virat Kohli at 3, KL Rahul at 4. This will make India's top 4 very solid and Rishabh Pant should bat at 5."

Harbhajan SIngh's India XI for T20 WC match against New Zealand: Ishan Kishan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakraborty.

He said, "Hardik Pandya should bat at 6. I know a lot of people are debating about him but if Hardik Pandya is on crease and starts firing he can leave any batsman in the world behind. Even if he doesn't bowl one over, India have to play him."

"If we speak about the best batsmen in the No.6 and No.7 position, Hardik Pandya's name comes up without question," added Harbhajan.