India’s veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh revealed that it is more difficult to bowl to Australia’s David Warner as compared to West Indies’ Chris Gayle. The experienced spinner believes Warner can play all over the ground and he has more attacking shots than Gayle. Harbhajan added that Warner is strong on the back foot and he can be relentless if the bowler is off the mark.
On the other hand, Harbhajan feels Chris Gayle will keep hitting for sixes if you bowl fast to him. Gayle is not known to make great use of his feet and thus Harbhajan believes it is prudent to bowl slow at the West Indies legend. The off-spinner added that Gayle can be kept in check if the spinner doesn’t provide any pace on the ball.
Harbhajan Singh has savored success against Chris Gayle.
Meanwhile, David Warner and Chris Gayle are one of the most successful batsmen in IPL history. Warner is the highest overseas run-getter of the tournament as the Australian has amassed 4706 runs in 126 IPL matches at an impressive average of 43.19 and a staggering strike rate of 142.39.
On the other hand, Chris Gayle is one of the most successful T20 batsmen in the world. The pugnacious left-hander has accumulated 4484 runs in 125 IPL matches at an average of 41.14 and a blistering strike rate of 151.03.
Harbhajan believes David Warner has more shots under his repertoire than Chris Gayle.
“Warner is very good on the back foot – he will cut you. He can switch-hit, he can sweep pretty nicely, he can hit you over cover. He can step out too. Compared to Gayle, Warner is more difficult for me to bowl to,” Harbhajan Singh said while talking to ESPN Cricinfo Cricket Monthly.
“Gayle, if someone bowls quick to him, he will keep hitting sixes. If someone bowls slow to him, he’ll have to come out of the crease, which he is not comfortable with. I have never ever felt it difficult to bowl against Gayle. I have bowled a lot at him in powerplays. He did not have the sweep. He did not have the shot over mid-on.
“Warner hits everywhere, so it is very important to vary the pace against him. Your body language, your eye contact has to be right. You cannot show him you are scared.”
Meanwhile, Harbhajan Singh has dismissed David Warner on four occasions whereas he has got rid of Chris Gayle on five occasions in the IPL history. The Turbanator, who now plays for the CSK, has scalped 150 wickets in 160 IPL matches at an economy rate of 7.05.