"Try him in ODIs also" - Harbhajan Singh bats for star bowler's inclusion after India's defeat in IND vs SA 2025 2nd OD

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has urged the team management to explore wicket-taking spinners like Varun Chakaravarthy for more impact in the playing XI after the four-wicket loss to South Africa in the second ODI. The Proteas chased down a historic total of 358 in Raipur to level the series 1-1, with a game to go.

The Indian bowlers struggled to combat the heavy dew on the outfield during the second innings. The spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar failed to make a significant impact as their combined 21 overs leaked 147 runs, with only one wicket in return. The weakers' lack of control put pressure on the inexperienced seam bowling unit as South Africa chased down the mammoth score with four balls to spare.

The Men in Blue did not have a massive pool of spinners to select from, as all-rounder Axar Patel was not selected for the series.

Harbhajan Singh backed the inclusion of Varun Chakaravarthy into the ODI setup as well amid India's need for attacking spinners in the middle overs.

"In England, without Bumrah, Siraj was unbelievable, fantastic. India won all the Tests where Bumrah did not feature. But, in shorter formats, we need to find people who can win you games, whether it be fast bowling or spin. Find spinners who can come in and take wickets. There is Kuldeep, but what about the rest? Bring in Varun Chakaravarthy in ODIs as well, you already have him in T20Is, so try him in ODIs also," Harbhajan Singh said on his YouTube channel.

Varun Chakaravarthy made his ODI debut during the home series against England earlier this year, and went on to play a pivotal role in the 2025 Champions Trophy as well. The mystery spinner has bagged 10 wickets in four matches at an average of 19.00 and an economy of 4.75.

Harbhajan Singh also slammed Team India's pace bowling reserves outside of Jasprit Bumrah, as he feels that bowlers like Prasidh Krishna still need time before being first-team material.

"Where is Shami? I don't know why Shami is not playing. I get it, you have Prasidh, he is a good bowler, but he still has a lot to learn. You had good bowlers, and you have slowly sidelined them. With Bumrah, this is a different bowling attack, and without Bumrah, it is entirely different attack altogether. We have to learn the art of winning games without Jasprit Bumrah," he added.

Jasprit Bumrah has not played an ODI since the 2023 World Cup Final, as his workload is being managed through the other two formats. Mohammad Shami, on the other hand, was not considered for India's reb-ball side, and is currently featuring for Bengal in the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

"The confidence will be shattered if we lose this series as well" - Harbhajan Singh on the importance of IND vs SA 2025 ODIs

Team India missed out on the opportunity to claim an unassailable lead in the three-match ODI series, and now head to Vizag for the series decider. The team are in need of a major statement after their recent series losses against Australia and South Africa in the longer formats.

Harbhajan Singh opined that India need to seal the series against South Africa in their favor to regain their confidence.

"I am a little disappointed that India allowed 358 to be chased down. I think we could have bowled better than what we bowled today. Our seamers need to learn what are the lines and lengths to hit. India have to find a way to get wickets, they need to work on it," Harbhajan Singh said.

"India cannot lose both Test and ODI series at home, because a lot is at stake. The confidence will be shattered if we lose this series as well. India should not let this happen," Harbhajan Singh added.

The final ODI of the series is scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 6. India have lost two out of the three bilateral ODI series they have played since the 2023 World Cup.