IPL Spinners Are Playing It Too Safe – Harbhajan Singh Calls for Bravery and Wicket-Taking Mindset
In the world of fast-paced T20 cricket, especially in the Indian Premier League (IPL), bowlers are often reduced to defensive roles. But former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has taken a bold stand, calling out the current generation of IPL spinners for lacking aggression and bowling with a mindset of survival rather than domination.
Speaking ahead of IPL 2025, Harbhajan expressed serious concerns over how spin bowling is evolving—or rather, devolving—in the league. His sharp critique questions the core approach of many IPL spinner, especially those who have stopped attacking and are instead just trying to contain runs.
Harbhajan Singh Slams IPL Spinners for Defensive Tactics
In a candid interview, Harbhajan didn’t hold back when discussing the state of spin bowling in T20 cricket. According to him, the current set of IPL spinners often bowl like fast bowlers, avoiding flight, turn, and risk-taking.
“I’m sorry to say, in T20s and IPL, a lot of spinners are bowling like fast bowlers. They are not spinning the ball. They don’t have the intent of taking wickets. Spinners need to be more brave, take chances, flight the ball, and stay in the contest,” Harbhajan said.
This is not just a general complaint. It’s a direct challenge to the young crop of IPL spinners who, he feels, are sacrificing the art of spin for economy rates.
Why Are IPL Spinners Losing Their Edge?
There are several reasons why IPL spinner are turning timid:
- Flat, batting-friendly pitches: These make bowlers cautious about offering flight or turn, fearing they’ll be hit.
- Short boundaries: Bowlers often go for flatter trajectories, mimicking pace bowlers to keep the ball out of reach.
- High-pressure situations: In a format where even a single over can change a game, many spinners are afraid to take chances.
Even world-class names like Rashid Khan, often considered the best T20 spinner globally, have struggled to pick up wickets consistently in recent seasons. That shows how the trend of defensive bowling has spread across all levels.
Spotlight: IPL Spinners Must Be Game-Changers Again
The role of IPL spinners should be more than just restricting runs. They should be match-winners—disruptors who can break partnerships and shift momentum. Harbhajan Singh’s comments are a wake-up call to bring back that intent.
He believes that spin bowlers should stop trying to act like fast bowlers and start playing to their strength—spin, flight, deception, and guile.
“Spin is an art. If you bowl like a medium pacer, you lose the magic. IPL spinner must rediscover their roots,” Harbhajan emphasized.
Saliva Ban Lifted – Good News for Bowlers?
In a separate development, the BCCI has lifted the long-standing ban on saliva usage to shine the ball—a rule originally implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic. This could be a major boost for both pace and spin bowlers, especially in a format like the IPL.
Harbhajan welcomed the move:
“Saliva helps create swing for pacers and drift for spinners. This is a good thing for all bowlers. Hopefully, we’ll see more turn and variation now.”
This change might help IPL spinners get more grip and control on the ball, which is critical in conditions where the margin for error is razor-thin.
Young Stars to Watch: Can They Revive Spin in IPL 2025?
Harbhajan didn’t just criticize—he also pointed out players who could rise to the occasion and bring back aggressive spin bowling. One of the key names is Riyan Parag, who will lead the Rajasthan Royals in the absence of Sanju Samson for the first few matches.
“Parag led Assam well. He has the talent and temperament. I want to see him evolve into a mature player,” Harbhajan said.
He also highlighted promising names like:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – Consistent top-order batter
- Shubman Gill – India’s rising captaincy prospect
- Abhishek Sharma – Explosive all-rounder
- Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Varun Chakaravarthy – Young bowlers who can impact games
Among them, Varun Chakaravarthy stands out as one of the few IPL spinners who still bowls with mystery and aggression—something Harbhajan hopes more spinners will emulate.
Are IPL Spinners Fading Away from the Spotlight?
The IPL has always been a platform where spin bowlers shine—think of legends like Shane Warne, Anil Kumble, Sunil Narine, and Ravichandran Ashwin. But in recent years, the spotlight has shifted to power-hitters and express pace. The traditional role of IPL spinners as game-changers seems to be fading.
Harbhajan’s critique might just be the push the new generation needs to go back to basics—spin the ball, attack the stumps, and take risks. The IPL is a league of innovation, but sometimes, success lies in mastering the fundamentals.
Final Thoughts – Will IPL Spinners Rise Again?
As IPL 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on the bowlers who dare to be different. Will spinners step up with courage and control games like before? Or will they continue to bowl like pacers, prioritizing economy over impact?
Harbhajan Singh has thrown down the gauntlet. It’s time for IPL spinners to pick it up—and spin it.
