Twitterati declare Harbhajan Singh as a specialist batsman
It was the first time in over 100 games that the off-spinner was never used in a game, with the offie being a regular feature for the Mumbai Indians.
Former Indian offie Harbhajan Singh’s selection in the playing XI for the Chennai Super Kings has been a conundrum for the skipper. While it is evident that the offie is picked for his bowling exploits, the fact that CSK skipper MS Dhoni has sparingly used him as a bowler this season.
For the Super Kings, the offie has not got to bowl as much as during his previous stint with the Mumbai Indians where he was a key bowler. In the 13 matches that Harbhajan has played this season, the veteran has bowled only 31.5 overs. However, against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the qualifier game, the offie was never used by the skipper.
It was the many of the firsts by MS Dhoni this season, after opting to play Harbhajan upfront in the batting order against Kings XI Punjab. Dhoni, this time decided that he would not use the offie in the entire game, despite there being some help for the spinners on the pitch.
Jadeja over Harbhajan
After the first few overs, Dhoni opted to go with the left-arm spin of Ravindra Jadeja against the off-spin of Harbhajan Singh. It was the first time in over 100 games that the off-spinner was never used in a game, with the offie being a regular feature for Mumbai Indians.
Some Twitter users also suggested that Dhoni is holding Harbhajan back to bowl against the big West Indian Carlos Braithwaite, who has had his struggle against spin in his career. However, others suggested that with the Super Kings bowling blowing hot and cold, it was always a wise decision to have an experienced bowler in the stable. The 37-year-old has taken 7 wickets from 13 matches he has played including the one in which he did not get to bowl at all.
Others expected an over or two from the Australian all-rounder Shane Watson, who in the past has proven to be a natural wicket-taker for any franchise. Giving an over to the Australian might have reduced the required runs a little bit, while Shardul went for one-too-many.
Here is how Twitterati reacted to the decision not to bowl Harbhajan Singh
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