Harpreet Singh Bhatia to play for Chhattisgarh instead of Madhya Pradesh

One of the most consistent performers for Madhya Pradesh Harpreet Singh Bhatia has now found a new team for himself. Harpreet made his debut for MP in 2008 and the southpaw led MP in the previous edition of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He got into the ranks in 2010 when he was selected to represent the Indian side in the U19 World Cup. The 26-year-old all-rounder will now represent his home side.

Harpreet has his roots in the Durg area in Chhattisgarh. He has featured in 49 first-class and 51 List A matches for Madhya Pradesh. The all-rounder has piled up runs at an average of 42.49 in FC cricket and at 43.27 in List A matches. He has received constant backing from the Madhya Pradesh team management since his entry into the side. This is a big blow for MP but the young Chhattisgarh side will be delighted to have a batsman up their ranks.

MPCA confirms his exit

The batsman has already taken a No-objection Certificate (NOC) from the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA). The Chhattisgarh side is currently playing the KSCA Invitational tournament in Bengaluru, Bhatia is presently playing league cricket abroad to prepare for the domestic season. “It is true that we have issued NOC to the player (Harpreet),” MPCA secretary, Milind Kanmadikar, confirmed.

Harpreet was the highest scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournament last year, amassing 211 runs in four games, with a strike rate of 145. However, he missed out on an initial IPL slot in 2017 due to a goof up. The franchise holders mixed up his name with Mumbai left-arm spinner, Harmeet Singh, who was arrested for driving his car straight onto the platform of the Andheri railway station.

Later, Harpreet was drafted into the Royal Challengers Bangalore line-up after Sarfraz Khan’s injury but the all-rounder missed out on a chance to play a single game in the competition. He amassed 629 runs in the previous season of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the new Chhattisgarh player would hope to carry his form into the upcoming season.

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