IPL 2020: Deep Dasgupta names a 'very good option' for Harbhajan Singh's replacement

It has been a well-known fact now that the three-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings have been struggling with a rough phase ever since they have set foot on the UAE soil. Firstly, contingent members tested COVID-19 positive, delaying their outdoor sessions by a week. Then one of the most significant members, Suresh Raina, decided to fly back to India abruptly, citing personal reasons. In the latest turn of events, veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has decided to pull out from the IPL 2020.

The decision has jolted CSK definitely, and they will be looking for a replacement for the star off-spinner. Though the franchise was reluctant to even name a substitute for Raina, the case here is different, and they will need a man to fill in the void. Amid this, former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Deep Dasgupta believes that all-rounder Jalaj Saxena can do the job for the Yellow Army.

“I think Jalaj Saxena deserves a place, he’s a good enough all-rounder. I think they might look at him, he’s a very good option for Bhajji’s replacement,” Dasgupta told ESPNcricinfo. “He’s someone who has got a lot of experience not just in red-ball cricket but also in white-ball cricket he’s been around for a while.”

The journey of Jalaj Saxena

Jalaj Saxena is one of the key names in the field of domestic cricket. He has proven track records as an all-rounder in all formats of the game. In the 54 T20 matches, he has appeared so far, he has 49 wickets to his credit at an economy rate of 6.92. The off-spinner has also made his mark with the bat, where he has 633 runs to his name in T20s.

He was part of the Delhi Capitals squad but was released for this season. The fact that the Yellow Army doesn’t have another off-spin option apart from Kedar Jadhav may give a green signal to Saxena.

Dasgupta put forth his opinion on the absence of Harbhajan Singh. He said that Singh wasn’t a regular feature of the CSK squad but had enormous experience under his belt, and this will be the reason he will be missed all the way more.