Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has sparked curiosity with a cryptic message on social media, seemingly aimed at Indian cricket’s recent performances. Using a Hindi metaphor, he wrote, “When an elephant walks through the market, the paid hounds bark,” an indirect statement that has left fans speculating about its intended target.
Harbhajan’s enigmatic post comes shortly after his sharp criticism of Indian cricket’s “megastar culture,” highlighting concerns over player selection and accountability following India’s disappointing 1-3 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Breaking Down Harbhajan’s Statement
Earlier this month, Harbhajan urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to prioritize performance over reputation when selecting players for future assignments. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he criticized the “megastar mindset” and called for a merit-based approach.
“There’s a megastar culture that has developed. We don’t need stars; we need performers. If the team has players who perform, it will move forward. Whoever wants to be a megastar should stay at home and play cricket there,” he said.
Harbhajan’s comments followed a lackluster series by some of India’s biggest names, including captain Rohit Sharma and batting ace Virat Kohli. Both struggled to make an impact, contributing significantly to India’s failure to secure a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Struggles of the Stars
The series against Australia saw Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in uncharacteristically poor form. Kohli, often considered the backbone of India’s batting lineup, managed only 190 runs in nine innings, frequently falling to edges and dismissals in the slip cordon.
Harbhajan emphasized that players out of form should not rely on their reputations to retain their spots in the team. Instead, he suggested they return to domestic cricket to regain their form.
He stated, “Struggling players should participate in some form of cricket and prove their worth if they wish to be considered for the England Test tour. Otherwise, if selection is based on reputation rather than performance, we might as well recall Kapil Dev and Anil Kumble.”
Call for Reform
Harbhajan’s comments have reignited the debate about favoritism and accountability in Indian cricket. He urged the BCCI and selectors to “act tough” and create an environment where players are chosen solely on their ability to perform at the highest level.
“For me, it’s straightforward—only players delivering strong performances deserve to go,” he said. “The BCCI and the selectors need to be firm and ensure that no one gets a free pass.”
What’s Next for Indian Cricket?
With India’s tour of England on the horizon, the BCCI faces a critical decision on team selection. Harbhajan’s call for reforms comes as fans and experts alike demand a more transparent and performance-oriented selection process.
The cryptic message shared by Harbhajan adds a layer of intrigue to his already blunt criticism, leaving fans to wonder whether it was aimed at specific individuals or the system as a whole.
As the discussion about accountability in Indian cricket continues, Harbhajan’s words are a stark reminder that complacency, even for the biggest stars, has no place in the competitive world of international cricket.
