Following India’s disappointing performance against South Africa in the recently concluded Test series, spin legend Harbhajan Singh expressed concern over the lack of a specialist off-spinner in the current Indian Test setup. He also called for increased workload for Washington Sundar to help him develop into a reliable bowler for the five-day format.

In the first home series against a SENA country since the retirement of R. Ashwin, Indian spinners were overshadowed, with South Africa claiming 25 wickets across the two Tests.

“Looks like India does not have a specialist right-arm off-spinner for Test cricket,” Harbhajan told PTI.

Harbhajan, who is India’s third-highest wicket-taker among spinners, stressed that Washington Sundar still has a long way to go before he can match Ashwin’s all-round skills. “I think Washington Sundar is there, but we will have to bowl him more. He will have to be bowled for 30-35 overs in a Test match to make a bowler out of him,” he said at the launch of 8JJ Sports India.

The veteran spinner also criticized the quality of pitches at home. He noted that Indian pitches often offer excessive turn, making it easier for bowlers but limiting overall growth of Test cricketers.

“The kind of pitches we have been playing on, there is no requirement of making a bowler out of anyone because every delivery spins or some straightens. A bowler can only be considered good when he takes wickets on good pitches,” Harbhajan said.

He called for better preparation of pitches to foster the growth of both batters and bowlers. “It has been more than a decade playing on those pitches where there has not been overall growth of Indian cricket. We are stuck at one place, and when we play on good wickets, it becomes a case of being required to look into the mirror,” he added.

Citing India’s England tour earlier this year, where Shubman Gill scored 754 runs in a five-Test series, Harbhajan emphasized that Indian batters need better wickets at home as well.

“We did well in England. Outside India, our batters get opportunities to score runs. But if you don’t give them the chance at home, how will it be possible for them to win matches? It’s high time India starts playing on good tracks,” he said.

Harbhajan also criticized the Kolkata Test, which ended inside three days on a dry, turning pitch, saying such conditions do not help promote or sustain Test cricket. “If you want to save Test cricket, we need to start playing on good tracks, which allow your bowlers, batters, and everyone to be in the game,” he added, echoing his earlier social media post with the hashtag #RIPTESTCRICKET.

(By PTI Inputs)