Harbhajan Singh: In the T20 format, you should have someone like Ashish Nehra who recently retired
Harbhajan Singh feels someone like Ashish Nehra must be part of India’s T20 coaching setup as he knows the shortest format perhaps better than current head coach Rahul Dravid while Nehra recently trained Gujarat Titans to the title on their IPL debut.
Harbhajan Singh feels someone like Ashish Nehra must be part of India’s T20 coaching setup as he knows the shortest format perhaps better than current head coach Rahul Dravid. Nehra retired from the game in 2017 and recently trained Gujarat Titans to the title on their IPL debut.
“In the T20 format, you can have someone like Ashish Nehra who recently retired from the game. He knows this better than, with all due respect to Rahul, we have played together for so many years, he has vast knowledge but this is a tricky format.
“Someone who has played the game more recently is better suited for the coaching job in T20s. I am not saying you remove Rahul from T20. Ashish and Rahul can work together to build this team for the 2024 World Cup,”
Harbhajan told PTI.
England’s T20 World Cup win has strengthened the debate on split coaching and picking various players for different formats.
“With such an arrangement, it is easy for Rahul as well who can take a break as well like he did for the New Zealand tour and Ashish can do the job in his absence,”
he said.
When asked about different players for different formats, Harbhajan added:
“That is fine. That works for me.”
The 42-year-old feels the Indian team’s approach needs to change whether the current top three Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli extend their careers till the 2024 World Cup or not.
“The approach has to change in the T20 format. The first six overs are important. If that doesn’t happen you will be dependent on Hardik or Surya for scoring 50 off 20. If they don’t fire, you will end up with a below-par total.
“England changed their approach and they have won two World Cups. T20 has to be played like T20 not like ODIs,”
said the veteran of 103 Tests.
“All the top three (Rohit, Virat, KL) need to do is increase their strike rate. It is tough when you bat at 110 or 120 strikes and try to make 180. They have to score at least 9 runs per over in the first 10-12 overs.”
Does he see Kohli and Rohit continuing to play the shortest format?
“I am no one to comment whether they would want to play or not. They are quality players if they can remain fit why not, provided the approach is different. Players can’t be changed overnight, the approach has to change,”
said the former India player.
Harbhajan expressed that Hardik Pandya should captain India in the T20s after Rohit Sharma.
“If it happens, Hardik is the right option.”
Talking about the Abu Dhabi T10 competition, Harbhajan said he is excited to be part of the league.
“I am excited. Don’t know how many games I will play. It is a good format and shorter format compared to T20s. It is a faster format and good for the fans. Going forward, it could be something very big.”