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👉 Check Today's Deals on Amazon India## Harbhajan Singh Backs Shubman Gill as ODI Captain
### Shubman Gill: Ready for New Challenges
Former Indian spinner [Harbhajan Singh](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/harbhajan-singh) has expressed strong support for the decision to appoint [Shubman Gill](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/shubman-gill) as the new ODI captain. Harbhajan believes the star opener is well-prepared for significant challenges ahead.
### T20 World Cup Omission
Despite a previous stint as vice-captain, Shubman Gill was notably left out of the T20 World Cup squad, though Harbhajan is optimistic about Gill’s future opportunities in the T20 format. “I think Shubman Gill was left out solely because of the T20 format and the combination Team India wanted,” he remarked.
### Gill’s Performance as ODI Captain
Shubman Gill faced a tough start as ODI captain, losing his initial series against Australia away from home. His upcoming challenge is a maiden home series against New Zealand starting January 11. While he previously led the Test side in a hard-fought 2-2 draw against England and scored 754 runs, including four centuries, his impact in ODIs remains to be seen.
### Recent Struggles in T20Is
Gill’s return to T20Is as vice-captain during the Asia Cup was disappointing, with only 291 runs in his last 15 innings and no fifties since his comeback.
### Harbhajan’s Encouragement for Gill
Speaking to ANI about Gill’s injury recovery and future in ODIs, Harbhajan emphasized his belief in Gill’s capabilities. “Gill was bound to make a comeback… I never had any doubt that he would not be in the ODI or Test team.”
### T20 World Cup Team Evaluation
Regarding the T20 World Cup squad selected by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, Harbhajan rated it a “10/10 team.” While he feels disappointment for Gill, he remains confident in the squad’s potential, highlighting that “all the players are match winners in their own right.”
### Future-Focused Leadership
Justifying the appointment of Gill as ODI captain, Harbhajan noted that it was a forward-looking decision. “I think he is ready for this job… The sooner he learns the art of captaincy and team management, the better the results will be,” he explained. His performance in the recent England Test series shows he is prepared for big challenges.
### Praise for India’s Spin Trio
Harbhajan also commended India’s spin trio of Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav, emphasizing their match-winning potential in the T20 World Cup.
### Suryakumar Yadav: A Player to Watch
Despite a modest previous year with only 218 runs in 19 innings, Harbhajan believes in Suryakumar Yadav’s ability to deliver when it matters most. “When the WC comes, we will need big players to fire. He will shine bright in that big match,” he concluded.
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