Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has given BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar a perfect 10/10 rating for the squad selections made for the T20 World Cup 2026, despite the controversial decision to exclude Shubman Gill. The veteran off-spinner praised the selection panel’s bold calls while expressing confidence that India can win back-to-back World Cups with the chosen squad.

“Ajit should be given 10/10 for the team”

The BCCI selection panel stunned everyone with several controversial decisions, including the call to exclude Shubman Gill from the T20 World Cup squad. Wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan was rewarded for his form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as he was included alongside Sanju Samson. Despite the surprises, Harbhajan backed the selections wholeheartedly.

“The team is really good. I had told that Ajit should be given 10/10 for the team. I felt a little bad for Shubman, but he will get more chances soon. All the players are match winners in their own right. Hope we can win back-to-back World Cups because we have that team,” Harbhajan Singh told ANI.

The former India star’s endorsement carries significant weight, especially given the public debate surrounding some of the selection choices. His comments suggest that the selectors have prioritized form and specific skill sets over reputation, a strategy that could pay dividends in the tournament.

Backing Suryakumar Yadav despite poor form

Harbhajan also backed skipper Suryakumar Yadav to perform at the top level despite not enjoying a good run of form lately. The former spinner expressed confidence that the captain would rise to the occasion when it matters most.

“Suryakumar has not made many runs, but when the WC comes, we will need big players to fire. He will shine bright in that big match,” Harbhajan said.

He also weighed in on the performance of certain players and highlighted that Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah can win matches on their own.

“Abhishek (Sharma) can win you matches on your own. The form Hardik (Pandya) is in, he is a key player. We also have Arshdeep (Singh) and (Jasprit) Bumrah in pace,” he added.

Split coaching debate continues

Harbhajan Singh also opined on the split coaching debate in India following their poor performances in Test cricket under head coach Gautam Gambhir. India suffered two whitewashes at home in the last two years—a humiliating 0-3 loss to New Zealand in 2024, followed by a 0-2 thrashing at home by South Africa in 2025.

New Zealand’s 3-0 whitewash marked the end of India’s great Test empire, which had been well guarded by leaders like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma for over a decade. The NZ whitewash cost India a place in the ICC World Test Championship 2025 final, and the latest setback to the Proteas could also cost them a berth in the marquee one-off Test championship clash.

On the other hand, Gambhir led India to lift the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy title in Dubai, and the Men in Blue have performed well in the white-ball format—a contrast that has fueled discussions about whether separate coaches should handle different formats.

Speaking to ANI, Harbhajan emphasized the responsibilities that come with becoming the coach of the Indian cricket team. “In India, when the team does well, everyone stays quiet, and when the side performs poorly, everyone starts pointing out the coach,” he said, urging patience and understanding for the challenges faced by coaches at the international level.