'I think Ricky Ponting used to get out just by looking at my face' - Harbhajan Singh

The COVID-19 outbreak has compelled sporting scenario to come to a standstill as all major tournaments and matches have been postponed in the wake of the pandemic. After the indefinite postponement of much-anticipated IPL 2020, players are left with no choice but to abide by the current lockdown. India is currently undergoing an extended lockdown until May 3.

During this quarantine period, many cricketers have taken the route of Instagram or Twitter to interact with their teammates as well as fans. Many Indian internationals including Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer and Yuvraj Singh have either conducted a Twitter Q&A or Instagram live to stay active on social media. Rohit Sharma, who has notched up his social media activity during his quarantine period, was recently involved in an Instagram live with veteran Harbhajan Singh.

The duo discussed many topics over their chat including their playing moments and memories. During the Instagram live session, Harbhajan went on to reveal that Ponting used to get out just by looking at the off-spinner’s face.

Harbhajan also revealed that when Ponting joined Mumbai Indians, he had thought that he would improve his technique against Harbhajan by playing in the nets. However, the Australian was unable to do so and Harbhajan went on to dismiss him 5-6 times.

‘I got Ponting out 5-6 times’: Harbhajan Singh

“I think Ricky Ponting used to get out just by looking at my face. I didn’t even need to bowl at him. When he came to play for Mumbai Indians, I thought he would improve after playing me in the nets. But even there I got him out 5-6 times,” Harbhajan to Rohit.

“I think you dented his confidence even before the series started bhajju paa.. Now I know why he couldn’t score runs that season,” responded Rohit jokingly.

Ricky Ponting, who was previously associated with Mumbai Indians, is currently the coach of Shreyas Iyer-led Delhi Capitals. Ponting is regarded as one of the finest batsmen as well as skippers of his generations. The former Australian skipper has gathered 13378 runs in Test cricket and is only second behind Sachin Tendulkar in the list of highest run-getters in red-ball cricket.