File photo of Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
The Pakistani veteran shared his disapproval regarding the treatment of the 35-year-old off-spinner.
“I am afraid that Indian cricket board and team management’s treatment towards Harbhajan has not been great,” said Saqlain.
“The emergence of Ashwin doesn't mean that you drop Harbhajan or put him under tremendous pressure.”
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The 39-year-old said Harbhajan needed some time before he regains confidence and rhythm in the Indian national side.
“In my 10 years for Pakistan, I have seen legends being dropped due to form or injury,” said Saqlain.
“But once they came back, in first 2 or 3 matches, their confidence looked to have been shaken. However, after five or six matches, their rhythm came back.”
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The Lahore-born spinner further said that even if Harbhajan is fully fit, he will not be able to perform due to the treatment he received over the last few years.
“Let me be very clear, even if Bhajji is playing at his full potential, he will not be able to perform because of how he was treated,” he said.
Saqlain also praised India’s leading off-spinner Ravi Ashwin, and labelled him as the best in the world.
“Ashwin is a world-class bowler and is bowling superbly at the moment,” said Saqlain.
This article first appeared in India Today
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