End of the road for Harbhajan Singh?

Pragyan Ojha and a member of India’s support staff were the first to arrive for a warm-up session after Australia opted to bat. It was a clear indication that India were looking beyond Harbhajan Singh, now a pale shadow of his former self.

Given that he has come down from his exalted position, India’s think-tank should have a chat with him before the selectors meet again.

Where does Bhajji go from here?

India play their next Test series in South Africa this November. Considering that the wickets there seldom excite the tweakers, Harbhajan may find it impossible to be part of the squad.

Remember, he was out of the team for 14 months. Despite an ordinary domestic season, Sandeep Patil’s panel reposed faith in him. Against England (although he played only one Test) and Australia, Harbhajan could collect just seven scalps as compared to Ojha’s 20 against England. Yet, Ojha was dropped for the first two Tests of this series.

Yes, the game is not only about statistics. Truth be told, Harbhajan has hardly posed a threat.

Where does he go from here? ‘Retirement’ should be spare him the embarrassment. But in Indian cricket, you can never be sure.

@shekharluthra