Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has stated that it will be very difficult for CSK to find a replacement for Harbhajan Singh who has withdrawn his name from this season. Indian veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh neither attended the Chennai camp nor did he travel with the squad to UAE. The 40-year-old confirmed earlier, his withdrawal from IPL 2020, citing personal reasons.
CSK number 3 Suresh Raina, who had traveled with the squad to UAE had later decided to skip the IPL and returned home citing ‘personal reasons’, which was later found out to be a gruesome attack on his relatives which took away the life of his uncle and cousin. Also, Raina stated there is still a slight chance that he could get back with the squad to play in the IPL.
Harbhajan Singh (Credits: Twitter)
Irfan Pathan hopes for a Suresh Raina comeback to IPL this season
The former Indian cricketer is still hoping for Suresh Raina to make a comeback in this IPL. He had left the camp in UAE when his relatives were attacked in Pathankot, Punjab which took away the life of his uncle and cousin. However, Suresh Raina has confirmed if he could settle things at home in time, he may have a chance to rejoin the CSK camp for IPL. Irfan Pathan feels it will be very difficult for CSK to find a replacement for Harbhajan Singh.
“I have hope and I personally also want that Suresh Raina comes back, there is a chance for that. But getting a replacement for Harbhajan Singh will be very difficult. It will be very difficult to find a quality off-spinner like him in domestic cricket.”
Irfan Pathan (Credits – Twitter)
Harbhajan Singh leaves a big void in the CSK team which will be tough to fill: Irfan Pathan
Irfan stated that he got information that CSK are considering 3-4 off-spinners for Harbhajan Singh’s replacement, but Bhajji’s intelligence and experience makes him irreplaceable in the squad. He also mentioned Harbhajan’s impact with the new ball in his hands.
“They are trying as well. I have got some information as well that the CSK team and management are considering the names of 3-4 off-spinners but the void created by Harbhajan Singh’s absence is very difficult to be filled.Because whatever issue Raina has, if that gets sorted out he can come back but it will be a very big loss for CSK when Harbhajan Singh does not play for them.” said Irfan Pathan.
Harbhajan Singh (Credits: Twitter)
“Because there are a lot of left-handers against whom he used to play and bowl brilliantly. He even used to bowl with the new ball which used to impact the team’s performance a lot.” he added.
The Chennai Super Kings squad had to go through an extra week of quarantine after 13 squad members including two players tested positive for COVID-19 last Saturday. The two players that tested positive were Deepak Chahar and Ruturaj Gaikwad.
The IPL 2020 will be played between September 19 and November 10. The matches will be played in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah respectively.
