Harbhajan's Plea: Rinku Singh and Yashasvi Jaiswal Deserve a Chance, Arjun Tendulkar Still Developing
Rinku Singh and Yashasvi Jaiswal have emerged as the standout performers in the thrilling IPL 2023 season. Despite their contrasting batting styles – Jaiswal as an explosive opener and Rinku as a formidable finisher – both players have showcased remarkable talent. Their exceptional performances have placed them ahead of their peers, including Shivam Dube, who has been outstanding for the Chennai Super Kings with an impressive tally of 30 sixes. Notably, Rinku's extraordinary display of 407 runs at a strike rate of 143 from the number six position in T20 cricket is unprecedented.
Meanwhile, Jaiswal's meteoric rise continues unabated. Following his scintillating century against the Mumbai Indians, he went on to smash the fastest-ever IPL fifty, dismantling the Kolkata Knight Riders' bowling attack. Three years after becoming the highest run-scorer in the Under-19 World Cup of 2020, Jaiswal appears to have finally established himself, earning praise even from the great Virat Kohli.
The IPL has served as a stepping stone to the Indian national team for many players over the years. In 2021, Mohammed Siraj and Suryakumar Yadav seized that opportunity and have since excelled. Similarly, Umran Malik showcased his talent last year, proving his worth as a fast bowler. Now, Rinku and Jaiswal have caught the attention of legendary Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh, who advocates for their inclusion in the national squad. Given their current form, Harbhajan believes it is the ideal time to expose these young talents to the best of Indian cricket, allowing them to learn and grow.
“I strongly believe that when someone is performing well, they should be integrated into the system. I'm not suggesting they should immediately be included in the Playing XI, but they should be part of the larger group, surrounded by experienced players. Being in such an environment will undoubtedly enhance their skills and facilitate their development,” shared Harbhajan, who serves as an expert for Star Sports, the official broadcaster of IPL 2023, in an interview with Hindustan Times.
“Now is the right time for Rinku and Yashasvi to be brought closer to the core group of players. They should be included in the 20 or 30-man squad. Some may argue that it's too early for talents like Rinku and Yashasvi, but the truth is, it's not. They are already performing exceptionally well at this level. If we don't give them a chance now, it may be too late.”
While Rinku and Jaiswal have garnered well-deserved attention, another name that has captured the spotlight is Arjun Tendulkar. Social media exploded with excitement when it was confirmed that the younger Tendulkar would make his IPL debut. Arjun showcased promise in his initial outings, but his vulnerabilities were exposed during a challenging encounter against the Punjab Kings.
Apart from an expensive 31-run over, Arjun has yet to complete his full quota of overs this season, indicating a lack of confidence from his captain, Rohit Sharma. However, this should not be viewed negatively. Arjun is a young and promising talent, but Harbhajan believes he needs to further refine his skills before securing a permanent spot in the Mumbai Indians' starting lineup and assuming greater bowling responsibilities.
“He still has room for improvement in his skills. It's important to remember that everyone takes time to develop. Even players with 50 matches under their belt are not guaranteed to become consistent performers. With each game, Arjun will learn and grow. It's encouraging to see him on the field, displaying his bowling abilities. Yes, he did experience one expensive over – even the best players have been hit for runs. The important thing is that he will learn from it,” Harbhajan remarked.
“If he had not played, he wouldn't have grasped the harsh realities of the game. It's only when you participate in a race and fall behind that you realize the areas where you need to improve. Arjun now understands the aspects he needs to work on and how to make a strong comeback. I have no doubt that he will return as a better player.”
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