Mumbai: Veteran India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh feels comeback man Shikhar Dhawan's contribution to the Indian team in white-ball cricket is as important as that of skipper Virat Kohli or his deputy Rohit Sharma.
Opener Dhawan is making a comeback to the Indian team after getting injured during the World Cup.
India takes on South Africa in the second T20 in Mohali after the first one was washed out in Dharamsala.
"Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma are some of the finest batsmen that India has seen and have proven to be one of India's best opening pairs. Shikhar Dhawan's contribution to the game is as important as that of Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli," Star Sports expert Harbhajan said.
"Be it T20 or 50 overs, irrespective of the format, Shikhar is really good. According to me, there is no better opener than Shikhar Dhawan, along with Rohit Sharma, in any format - T20 and 50 overs. If he continues working on his fitness in the coming 2-3 years, I think he will be unstoppable," he added.
Former Indian player Irfan Pathan, meanwhile, said Ravindra Jadeja is a quality back-up all-rounder for India and in Hardik Pandya's absence, he can do a good job.
"Ravindra Jadeja's innings have been crucial in the IPL and ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. We need to keep this in mind, because Hardik Pandya is a fast-bowling all-rounder, and they tend to get injured," Star Sports expert Pathan said.
"India needs to have a back-up all-rounder who can replace Hardik and bowl to his caliber. We should get Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja to play on the 6th spot and I am sure they will do the job.” IANS