‘I would advise players to stay away from social media’ – Former India player dishes out valuable advice to Indian team ahead of ODI World Cup 2023
Team India (Source: Twitter)
During India’s victorious 2011 ODI World Cup campaign, veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh revealed that coach Gary Kirsten imposed a ban on players reading newspapers to shield them from external pressure. Kirsten also advised players to avoid social media to prevent potential negative effects on performance due to harsh criticism after poor games.
The legendary India spinner emphasized the importance of shielding players from external influences, aiming to maintain their focus and confidence. This strategic move proved effective, as India went on to clinch the World Cup for the second time, with players delivering standout performances amidst a controlled information environment crafted by Kirsten.
“Those times (2011) were different. You could get away by not reading newspapers. Now, everything is there on social media. Gary Kirsten had set up a rule and asked us not to read newspapers. If you don’t perform well on a particular day, you will see what people will do on social media. I would advise players to stay away from social media. Don’t see your phones for the next two months,” Harbhajan told India Today.
Ashwin should play if the opposition has more left-handers: Harbhajan Singh
The former player has expressed that Ravichandran Ashwin stands among India’s premier bowling choices, suggesting the team management consider utilizing him in the 2023 ODI World Cup. It’s noteworthy that Ashwin replaced Axar Patel in the final squad after Patel’s exclusion due to an injury suffered during the Asia Cup 2023. The 43-year-old bowler also backed the ideology that if the opposition team has more left-handers in them then Ashwin should get a game.
“People are realizing that skill is more important. It’s not like an off-spinner shouldn’t bowl to right-handers. Even I mentioned that Ashwin should play if the opposition has more left-handers, but that is what the management thinks. But if I was captain of the team or part of management, I would pick my five best bowlers and Ashwin would be first or second on that list,” the former cricketer told ESPNcricinfo.
