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Harbhajan Singh Opens Up On Future Role in Indian Cricket
By CricShots - Aug 14, 2026 2:01 pm
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Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed his desire to take up a major role in Indian cricket in the future, saying he would be honoured to serve the game as BCCI president, chief selector or head coach. The former off-spinner believes his experience and understanding of Indian cricket could allow him to contribute meaningfully if an opportunity arises. Harbhajan’s comments come at a time when India’s off-field setup has faced increased scrutiny.

Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan Singh

Head coach Gautam Gambhir has been under pressure following a series of inconsistent results, while chief selector Ajit Agarkar has also found himself in the spotlight after selection-related debates involving senior players, including Rohit Sharma. There have also been reports suggesting that the BCCI could consider giving former India batter VVS Laxman a bigger role following the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka.

However, there is no official confirmation of any immediate change, with both Gambhir and Agarkar currently contracted until the 2027 ODI World Cup. Agarkar also received an extension earlier this year. Harbhajan Singh has previously expressed an interest in coaching India. After Rahul Dravid’s tenure ended following India’s successful 2024 T20 World Cup campaign, Harbhajan was linked with the coaching position but did not formally enter the race.

Speaking to PTI recently, Harbhajan Singh was asked whether he would prefer becoming BCCI president, India’s chief selector or head coach at some point in the future. The 45-year-old insisted that he did not have his sights set on one particular position.

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Instead, Harbhajan Singh said he would be happy to accept any opportunity that allows him to contribute to Indian cricket. He described it as a way of giving back to the sport that has played a major role in his life. “It is not like I want to hold all three roles in the future, but I believe whatever is in my destiny, I will get it. If I ever get a chance to hold any such role, where I can do something for Indian cricket, I will be very, very happy to do it,” Harbhajan said.

He added that whether the opportunity comes as BCCI president, selector or head coach, his priority would simply be to remain useful to Indian cricket. Harbhajan also came out strongly in support of current head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has faced criticism following India’s recent run of results.

 

The team’s performances during the Ireland and England assignments have increased the pressure on the coaching staff, but Harbhajan believes Gambhir is receiving an unfair share of the blame. “Why is Gautam getting so much flak? I have never understood why when a team doesn’t do well, people always tend to blame the coach,” Harbhajan Singh said.

The former spinner also highlighted Gambhir’s passion and commitment to the team. Having known the former opener during their playing careers, Harbhajan described him as someone who has always put the team’s interests ahead of his own.

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Harbhajan Singh acknowledged that Gambhir’s straightforward personality can sometimes make his comments difficult for people to accept. However, he believes the India coach is simply willing to speak honestly, even when his views may sound harsh. “Bohot Badhiya Banda hai woh. He is very straightforward,” Harbhajan said, defending Gambhir’s approach.

For now, Gambhir’s immediate challenge is to guide India through the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, beginning on August 15. With India needing strong results to remain in contention for the World Test Championship final, the series could prove important for the team’s campaign and the scrutiny surrounding its coaching setup.

Tags BCCIBCCI Presidentchief selectorexpectationsHarbhajan Singh