Shastri, Harbhajan slam Pakistan’s spin bowling, Shadab’s mindset

Ravi Shastri expressed concern over Pakistan's prospects in the upcoming World Cup 2023, noting a potential decline in strength due to Naseem Shah's absence courtesy of an injury.

“With Naseem Shah not there, the strength of Pakistan just diminishes a bit,” Shastri said.

Seeking insights from Harbhajan Singh regarding the spin department, Shastri pointed out a significant drop in spin quality compared to the past.

“Their [Pakistan] spin quality compared to your era has dipped big time,” Shastri said to Harbhajan.

Harbhajan concurred with Shastri's observations, highlighting the notable spinners of yesteryears such as Saqlain Mushtaq, Saeed Ajmal, and Shahid Afridi.

He criticized Shadab's bowling mindset, emphasizing that the bowler seems content with conceding fifty or sixty runs without taking wickets. In Harbhajan's view, such a mindset is detrimental for a spinner, as it hinders the ability to contribute significantly to the team's success.

“Of course. They used to have Saqlain Mushtaq, Saeed Ajmal, Shahid Afridi. They were big spinners. Shadab looks really good, but recently he is not bowling at his best. He is not looking to take those wickets. He is rather happy going for fifty and sixty runs and no wickets. When you have a mindset like that, as a spinner, you will not win games for your team. I believe their spin is not as strong as it used to be,” Harbhajan said.