Harbhajan Singh on Spinners, Emerging Talent, and IPL 2025 Rivalries

As the IPL 2025 season kicks off, Harbhajan Singh, the seasoned former cricketer, has sparked a conversation around the role of spinners in T20 cricket. He emphasized that spinners need to focus more on taking wickets rather than just containing runs. According to Singh, the current trend has spinners operating more like fast bowlers, concentrating on run prevention without targeting the batters' dismissal. He pointed out that T20 pitches, known for being batting-friendly, demand that spinners adopt a more aggressive approach. "I apologize for saying this. Recently, even spinners in T20s are bowling like fast bowlers. They are not attacking. There is no goal of taking wickets. So, they need to learn to bowl with more courage. Create opportunities. Spin the ball. Deliver flights and target wickets. Giving them a chance to use the googly will help the bowlers. I hope we will see this in international cricket soon. Pacers can swing the ball. Spinners get the grip," Singh stated, highlighting the need for spinners to reinvent their strategies to be more effective.

Moreover, Singh pointed out the significant impact spinners have in the IPL, stressing their dual responsibility to control the game's pace and secure wickets during the middle overs. This strategic role, he argues, is vital for the team's success, especially in a format where every over can dramatically shift the match's outcome.

Harbhajan Singh also shared his excitement about the emerging talent in the league, particularly spotlighting Riyan Parag. He praised Parag's leadership and performance for Assam, expressing hope that the young cricketer would shine in the IPL and possibly become a major star. This attention to young talent underscores the IPL's role in nurturing and showcasing promising cricketers, offering them a platform to exhibit their skills on a global stage.

The much-anticipated clash between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians was another highlight mentioned by Singh. He compared the intensity of their matches to the iconic India-Pakistan cricket rivalry, noting the equal fan and championship title distribution between the two teams. This rivalry, according to Singh, adds an extra layer of excitement to the season, with fans eagerly anticipating their matchups.

The upcoming match between these two cricketing powerhouses is scheduled for Sunday, promising fans another chapter in their storied rivalry. As the IPL 2025 season progresses, Singh's observations and insights provide a fascinating perspective on the evolving strategies within the game, especially regarding the role of spinners and the impact of emerging talent on the league's dynamic landscape.