Yuvraj Singh Slams India After England Defeat Despite 5 Centuries; Harbhajan Singh Calls for Urgent Changes

Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh shared their thoughts on India’s five-wicket defeat to England in the opening Test at Headingley, Leeds.

Table of Contents

• India’s Collapse from Dominance to Defeat Leaves Fans and Legends Baffled

• Harbhajan Singh wants an immediate change in India’s Playing XI

India’s Collapse from Dominance to Defeat Leaves Fans and Legends Baffled

How India went from 430/3 in the first innings and 287/3 in the second to losing a Test match is beyond comprehension. This team notched up five individual centuries – including two by Rishabh Pant – amassed nearly 800 runs, and yet ended up on the losing side. The opening Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy delivered a gripping spectacle, but for India, it was a bitter pill to swallow. Sloppy fielding, including over six dropped chances, paved the way for a five-wicket loss, turning what could’ve been a memorable win into a frustrating defeat.

Amid the fallout, reactions have poured in from all quarters. Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh offered perspective, reminding the young team led by debutant captain Shubman Gill that one defeat doesn’t define a series. Commending the intensity and competitive spirit of the contest, Yuvraj Singh took to X to share a note of encouragement:

“Test cricket at its finest – intense, challenging and unforgiving. Five days of a high-quality game and a result that could’ve gone either way! Our young team showed fight and belief, the kind that wins you games in the long run. Fell short, but far from done! The series is still alive.”

Now, with four Tests remaining, the challenge for India is to regroup, reflect, and return stronger.

Test cricket at its finest – intense, challenging and unforgiving. Five days of a high-quality game and a result that could’ve gone either way! Our young team showed fight and belief, the kind that wins you games in the long run. Fell short, but far from done! The series is still…

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) June 24, 2025

Harbhajan Singh wants an immediate change in India’s Playing XI

As India lick their wounds from a five-wicket loss in the opening Test at Leeds, Harbhajan Singh has joined the growing chorus urging change. With a week-long break before the second Test at Edgbaston, the former India spinner believes the team needs to rethink its bowling strategy—particularly the lack of spin variety in the attack.

Harbhajan Singh suggested that Kuldeep Yadav should be brought into the playing XI to complement Ravindra Jadeja, who found considerable purchase from the rough on Day 5. India’s pace attack looked largely ineffective, and the absence of a second specialist spinner was keenly felt. “If Kuldeep comes in, India will have more wicket-taking options,” Harbhajan Singh said on his YouTube channel.

However, Harbhajan Singh acknowledged the selection dilemma, particularly regarding Shardul Thakur. “Who does Kuldeep replace? Shardul? I had said earlier he needs more overs. But he came in only when England needed around 100–120 runs. If you look at him only as a batter who can bowl, that’s unfair. He’s a bowler who can bat.”

Harbhajan Singh warned that if India fail to adapt quickly, they risk letting the series slip away. “You can’t get 450 in the first innings and lose. In England, many strong teams have failed to win. This is an opportunity India must not waste.”

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