IPL 2018: Nita Ambani disappointed over their senior player's departure

Mumbai Indians have arguably been the most successful side of the IPL so far. They have won 3 IPL trophies in 10 campaigns. There has been only one ever-present player in their 10-year journey and that player is Harbhajan Singh. He understands the setup really well and his vast IPL experience of having played over 100 games is a big plus.

The Turbanator has picked up 127 wickets in 136 matches for the Mumbai Indians. His economy rate of 6.95 goes a long way in the shorter format of the cricket game. Although the off-spinner hasn’t been involved in the national set-up for quite some time now, he was a regular feature in the Mumbai Indians playing XI until last year.

Karn Sharma replaced Bhaji after a string of good performances. Both these players will represent Chennai Super Kings in the 2018 edition of the IPL. Although Mumbai Indians were involved in a bidding war for the acquisition of the leggie, Harbhajan Singh was picked up at his base price.

Nita Ambani expressed her emotions in an interview to the Telegraph, “I wouldn’t say I’m disappointed that we didn’t get X or Y. However, we won’t be having Bhajji (Harbhajan Singh), so that’s a disappointment.”

The last two seasons, in particular, were dry years for Harbhajan. He picked up 17 wickets across two years, which is one less than what he picked up the year before. Mumbai Indians were planning to buy Karn Sharma, but they couldn’t match his hefty price. The spin department of the team is definitely the weakest. Harbhajan Singh led the Mumbai Indians to their first Twenty20 title in 2011 when they beat the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final of the Champions League T20. The senior player has even contributed with the bat and has batted at No.3 at times to boost the run-rate.

After being bought by a new franchise, Bhajji displayed his emotions on Twitter, “Thank you @mipaltan for a wonderful & memorable 10 yrs…it was great playing for you…all the best going forward for IPL 2018 …,” the off-spinner tweeted.

The Paltan also replied back thanking Harbhajan for his decade-long stay at the franchise, “10 years, 5 trophies and countless memories! Thank you, Bhajjipa! #IPLAuction #MISquad2018 #CricketMeriJaan,” they tweeted back.