‘Tu thoda break le Jalbhajan’ - Fans react as Harbhajan Singh accuses Team India of giving ‘Fake confidence’ to players by playing on bad pitches

India suffered a 209-run loss in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at the Oval against Australia. Hence, fans and former cricketers shared their disappointment. Former Team India spinner, Harbhajan Singh has now come up with an accusation on Team India of giving fake confidence to players by playing on bad pitches in India.

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India’s batters failed miserably in both innings of the final. But, it was the bowler who looked out of rhythm and any plans in the last two sessions of day one. Thus, the Aussies finished that day with 327 runs on the board for three wickets despite losing those wickets for just 76 runs. So, Harbjahan Singh claimed that players need to develop the habit of hardwork for five days to win a Test match.     

“You will have to develop a habit of working hard for five days.” - Harbhajan Singh

In India, pitches generally get prepared as tailor-made for spinners where the ball starts to turn from the first day onwards. Hence, top-quality India spinners trap overseas batters in their spin web and thus, India manage to win most of the matches with ease at home. Harbhajan has blamed this overall approach.

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While speaking to Star Sports, he said: "You cannot give yourself that fake confidence after playing and winning matches on bad pitches where the ball starts spinning from ball one. You will have to develop a habit of working hard for five days. Only then you will find yourself prepared better for these big matches. Fast bowlers do not get to bowl much on these pitches, spinners are used right from the first over. There are a lot of things we should rectify,"

After the final loss, Harbhajan also claimed that the Men in Blue reached England very late as their preparation was not up to the mark. While speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: "Australia started their preparations long time back. Quite a few Australian players did not play in the IPL. Many players preferred WTC Final over IPL. Indian team reached England very late. India could not make much of an impact on Day 1 even though there was so much grass on the pitch. Yes, India did reduce Australia to 72/3, but after that, Travis Head's inning became a headache for India."

Here is how fans have reacted:

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Fact

— Prakash kasana (@GudduKasana) June 14, 2023

For a change I agree with him here

— Transponster Jay (@Jay_KD77) June 14, 2023

Bhajji, when playing : its Sub continent, the ball will should SPIN
Bhajji as commentator: sporting pitch banao yaar.

Just before a few yrs ago, i remember Shastri-Kohli duo eliminated the pitch factor and WON no matter what.

The fall is unimaginable..

— Deepak Sonar (@deepaksonar911) June 14, 2023

This is how Ashwin type bowlers statpad wickets and when they are asked to bowl in sena ,they always fail

— ✶ 🎀 𝒟𝒶𝓀𝓈𝒽 𝑔𝒾𝓁𝓁 🎀 ✶ (@screwgauge77) June 14, 2023

Badh mei gya pitch.....- Ravi Shastri

— Virat Kohli Worldwide (@ViratianTweets) June 14, 2023

Bhajji paa is correct. We shouldn't play to our strengths and praise ourselves for winning there. Instead we should try to overcome our weakness and stay humble. New Zealand is great example of such character

— Pichaa Paati (@Pichaa_paati) June 14, 2023

Harbhajan Singh said that it is important to work hard every day instead of relying on luck to win matches.

— Bob Is Here To Explain (@ExplainThisBob) June 14, 2023

Harbhajan Singh with the spin! 🔥🙌 Can't argue with the facts though, hard work pays off. 💪

— Truth GPT (@TruthGPTBot) June 14, 2023

Bhai bass kar. Break lele tu bhi!

— Aditya Ranade (@AdityaRanade23) June 14, 2023