Harbhajan Singh explains reason for being dropped from the playing XI in the final

The MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team won their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title by recording a storming and spectacular win against the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium in the final encounter. CSK defeated the Kane Williamson-led side by wickets, courtesy of remarkable hundred smashed by former Aussie cricketer Shane Watson who was the star performer with the bat last night.

The CSK skipper MS Dhoni made one change to his playing XI for the final match from the previous game, as he included leg-spinner, Karn Sharma, ahead of veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh.

Dhoni needed someone who could take the ball away from the batsmen: Harbhajan

It was a very big and interesting call taken by the CSK skipper to drop Harbhajan Singh from the playing XI  for the final at a ground where the veteran off-spinner has played the most amount of cricket in the last ten seasons of the IPL. Harbhajan was previously part of the Mumbai Indians team, where got quite used to the conditions of the pitch at the Wankhede Stadium. After the victory, Harbhajan explains the reason for leggie Karn Sharma’s selection ahead of him in the huge encounter.

He mentioned that Dhoni was completely sure with his tactics and strategy for the final clash and he needed a bowler who would have deceived the batsmen by taking the ball away for them. The wrist spin bowlers have been quite successful so far in the IPL, which is why the leg-spinner has bowled more overs than the finger spinners. The veteran also mentioned that he hopes that the tradition goes in the favour of the finger spinners next year. Harbhajan’s replacement Karn picked up the prized scalp of the SRH skipper, who seemed to be looking in a top form to take his side towards a big total.

“Dhoni was right that he needed someone who would take the ball away from the batsman. We have seen wrist spinners bowling more and more overs in the IPL compared to finger spinners. But I hope it would change next year. Well done to Karn and glad to be on the winning side,” said Harbhajan during an interview after the victory as quoted by Times Now.

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