Harbhajan Singh worried ahead of India vs England second Test in Visakhapatnam: 'I fear they don't end up losing'

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Harbhajan Singh has expressed his fear ahead of India vs England second Test in Visakhapatnam, saying that the hosts might end up losing after making a turning pitch for the visitors.

The statement from Harbhajan Singh comes after India's shocking 28-run defeat in the first Test in Hyderabad after taking a 190-run first innings lead. Left-arm spinner Tom Hartley, who was making his Test debut, picked up seven wickets in the second innings as India were bundled out for 202 while chasing 231.

Harbhajan Singh has reckoned that the Indian team for the second Test looks decent but lacks experience. Notably, India will be without KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja who have been ruled out due to their respective injuries. Also, Virat Kohli will miss the match due to personal reasons.

“The team looks decent, but lacks experience. Yes, there is Rohit Sharma, but the next best run-scorer is Ashwin. In terms of batting, the line-up looks weak. And if they play on a turning track, which I feel they will because they have added Washington Sundar while having Kuldeep Yadav, Ashwin and Axar Patel,” Harbhajan Singh said on his YouTube channel.

“I fear India don't end up losing after making a turning pitch for England. This batting unit is young, they need time, and if they get a good track, they might even perform well,” he added.

Sarfaraz Khan, Saurabh Kumar and Washington Sundar have been added to the Indian squad for the second Test against England. Sarfaraz and Saurabh have got their maiden India call-up while Washington Sundar last played a Test match for India in March 2021.

India's call to prepare a slow spin-friendly surface had backfired in the World Cup 2023 final where they lost to Australia after managing to score just 240 runs after being asked to bat first.