Harbhajan Singh exit from IPL 2020 due to personal reasons has opened up a conversation about who should replace the off-spinner in the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings squad in the upcoming season.
Harbhajan Singh Replacement:
Former India wicket-keeper batsman Deep Dasgupta in interaction with ESPNCricinfo said CSK should opt for all-rounder Jalaj Saxena as a replacement for Harbhajan.
“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,” he was quoted as saying.
Dasgupta added that Saxena has got a lot of experience not just in red-ball cricket but also in white-ball cricket. He also said that the squad will miss Harbhajan’s experience despite not playing a single match since last year’s IPL.
“He didn’t play much after last season but with someone of that experience, you have to back them and that’s what CSK has done. So they will miss him, maybe not too much but a bit for sure.”
Saxena has a lot of experience across all formats of the game and has picked up 49 wickets in 54 T20s at an economy rate of 6.92.
COVID-19 Positive in CSK Team:
Harbhajan became the second high-profile cricketer after Suresh Raina to pull out of this year’s IPL owing to personal reasons.
Earlier, it was reported that two playing members from the CSK camp – Deepak Chahar and Ruturaj Gaikwad – along with 11 members of the Super Kings contingent had tested positive for COVID-19. However, all other members tested negative for the dreaded virus after another round of testing.
Meanwhile, CSK is the only franchise who are yet to start with their training after getting hit by the virus. Even Raina, who is the second-highest run-scorer in IPL history, pulled out citing personal reasons. However, Raina has hinted that he may return after settling his personal issues.
Also read: IPL 2020 Schedule: CSK Likely To Face Mumbai Indians In Opener
