'It will be unfortunate if you don’t play him' - Harbhajan Singh picks key players for India and Australia in ODI World 2023

Harbhajan Singh (Source: Twitter)

With the Cricket Governing Body announcing the schedule for the much-awaited ODI World Cup 2023 earlier this week, fans' excitement has been amplified. The mega event will kick off on October 5 with the defending champions England taking on New Zealand in Ahmedabad, while India will begin their campaign against five-time winners Australia on October 8 in Chennai.

It's common for fans and former cricketers to predict key players and give their playing 11s before any major tournaments. Similarly, legendary spinner Harbhajan Singh shared his insights and named the key players for both India and Australia for the 50-over World Cup.

The 2011 World Cup winner opined that the opening partnership between captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will be crucial for Team India. While Harbhajan said a lot will depend on Rohit, youngster Gill will be the key for Men in Blue since he bats effectively at home.

“If I talk about India, it comes back to your opening partnership. A lot will depend on Rohit Sharma. Shubman Gill – I hope he is a part of the team. It will be unfortunate if you don’t play him. I think Shubman Gill will be the key. He bats extremely well in Indian conditions," he said.

In terms of the bowling department, Harbhajan feels that all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja can make a big impact. "In bowling, Ravindra Jadeja, if he fires like we saw in the IPL, where he picked up more than 20 wickets," said Harbhajan told Star Sports.

Bhajji believes Cameron Green and Adam Zampa could be dangerous 

Talking about the key players in the Australian team, Harbhajan mentioned two players who could be dangerous in Indian conditions - Cameron Green and Adam Zampa. Bhaji said that Green has "unbelievable talent" and has played well in the recently concluded Indian Premier League.

“If you are talking about Australia, I would like to take Green’s name. Cameron Green will be very, very dangerous. He brings not just batting but also bowling and fielding – unbelievable talent. He (Green) has played in India. He played exceptionally well in the IPL. He knows the conditions and he can be very dangerous there. Then if you talk about Zampa, he can be another addition who can be extremely dangerous. I think these will be the key players for India and Australia,” the 42-year-old concluded.