ICC rejected BCCI's request to let Dhoni wear the keeping gloves with 'Balidaan Badge' on it.
ICC’s decision to not allow MS Dhoni to wear gloves with Army insignia on it created quite a stir, with Indian media debating on the subject extensively.
Amid the hue and cry, veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has said that Indian players will be unfazed by the whole controversy around Dhoni's gloves during their crucial tie against Australia at the Oval on Sunday (June 9).
"Obviously [players will be focussed], that's something news channels are showing. I don't think any player on Sunday will be thinking what MS is wearing on his gloves. They have a big game in front of them. If they win this one, then they will put out a statement that they are in it to win this Cup," Harbhajan Singh told India Today.
Dhoni sported 'Balidaan Badge' on his wicketkeeping gloves during India's World Cup 2019 opener against South Africa on Wednesday (June 5). Subsequently, the ICC requested BCCI to ask Dhoni to remove the crest but Indian fans were left fuming.
Although the India board requested ICC to let Dhoni continue wearing the army insignia since it doesn’t have any political, religious or racial message, the governing body rejected BCCI's plea, saying the former skipper was found breaching two clauses of the clothing and equipment regulations.
Meanwhile, Team India started their World Cup campaign in a grand fashion, registering an emphatic six-wicket victory over the Proteas in Southampton. On the other hand, Australia has defeated Afghanistan and West Indies in their first two clashes thus far.
Harbhajan said both India and Australia are among the tournament favourites but picked Virat Kohli and company to win this clash.
"Exciting game. Both the teams are top most teams in the competition. This is going to be a cracker of a game. I think India are slightly ahead."
"I don't think there will be any changes in the playing XI. Weather is expected to be fine. I don't think we have to make a lot of chances. We have the players who can adapt to any sort of situation. India will be good."
"They just should bat normally in the first 10 overs just the way they played Tests against Australia. If can resist and not lose too many wickets or not a single wicket inside the first 10 overs. then I think India have a good chance of making 280-290."
He also warned India of Australia pacer Mitchell Starc, who took a five-wicket haul against West Indies.
“It's going to be challenging to bat against Mitchell Starc. We saw in the previous game. He is in fine form. Coming to London, I don't expect a lot of swing,” Harbhajan concluded.