NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s pace legend Wasim Akram is surprised that off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has been left out of the Indian team for the ODIs against England as he feels the veteran tweaker does not deserve to be dropped despite being out of form.

“It is definitely a surprise for me that he is not in the team. He was expected to be fresh and eager to do well. I am all for youngsters but Harbhajan is only 31. He does not deserve this after just two or three bad series,” Wasim said in an interview.

The off-spinner, who is currently leading the Mumbai Indians in Champions League Twenty20, missed a major part of the England tour due to an abdominal injury.

The feisty bowler has taken just 17 wickets in 17 ODIs this year at a less than impressive average of 41.29. But Wasim feels that Harbhajan has a lot more to offer.

“Experience matters a lot. He has been a good servant to the Indian team for 15 years. He bowled really well in the World Cup. His batting too is an asset I just hope this axing is a wake-up call for him.” —Agencies