Harbhajan should have played: Qadir

Pakistan's former leg-spinner Abdul Qadir criticised the omission of Harbhajan Singh from the Indian team in the first Test at Mohali and said the absence of a second spinner snatched victory from the home side.

"The Indian team selection was wrong. Harbhajan should not have been dropped. Had he been included in the team instead of Zaheer Khan, India would have won," said Qadir, known for his lethal googlies.

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Questioning the Indian selectors' policy of persisting with Zaheer despite the bowler not having performed impressively in recent times, Qadir said, "He should be asked to play some first class cricket and improve his performance and fitness. Then only should he be taken back".

Qadir, who played 67 Tests scalping 236 wickets, felt that neither Pakistan nor India had put in a proper plan for the Test series, which became apparent at Mohali.

"The Indian opening attack of Laxmipathy Balaji and Irfan Pathan should have been backed by the spin resources of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. Pakistan should have included Arshad Khan as the second spinner by leaving out pacer Mohammad Sami who has not been at his best for some time," he said.

Qadir, who had a day's halt in Kolkata on Saturday enroute to Silchar to lead the Pakistan veterans against Indian veterans tomorrow, felt that the Inzamam-led side would benefit if Shahid Afridi was taken in as an opening batsman and Shoaib Malik came as one down.

"Spinner Arshad Khan should be in the team. Younis Khan and Mohammad Sami should be kept out, along with one of the opening batsmen who played in the Mohali Test. With Afridi and Malik in the side, there will be more options before the Pakistan skipper as far as bowling is concerned," Qadir told reporters in Kolkata.

Qadir, however, praised wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal, who scored a brilliant maiden Test century to save the match for Pakistan.

"A lot of credit should go to Akmal for the way he played," he said.

Qadir also had some good words for all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, who scored a gritty 71 and was involved in a record 184-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Akmal.

"He is a batsman who believes only in aggression. He is not known for his defensive abilities. But today he tailored his game to the needs of the situation and defended dourly," he said.