Dada was a special captain for India and he showed it once again today: Harbhajan

Mumbai: Pune Warriors registered an upset win over much fancied Mumbai Indians and that called for praise for skipper Sourav Ganguly from all quarters and leading the pack was Mumbai Indians captain Harbhajan Singh, writes The Times Of India.

“Dada (Sourav) was a special captain for India and he showed once again today why he’s still the best captain ever. There are not many match winners in his side but his ability to identify talent, give responsibility to players and sense their usefulness is amazing. The bowling changes that he made today were simply excellent,” Harbhajan said, effusive in praise of his former India skipper.

Harbhajan also added that they missed Sachin Tendulkar in the match. “Had he been there he would have guided us better to chase this target (130). The planning, I am sure, would have been much better. But it’s time others also start taking the responsibility,” Harbhajan said.

After a dismal performance last year, Team Hyderabad are hoping for a bit of luck as they try to redeem themselves in IPL-5, writes TOI. However, the draw has handed them a double blow: they face defending champions Chennai and Mumbai in back-to-back matches. Hyderabad, therefore, know that it will be a test of fire this weekend at the picturesque ACA-VDCA stadium here.

“Coach Darren Lehmann is wary of the backlash from Chennai, who were humiliated on their home ground by a resurgent Mumbai on the opening day of the tournament. That doesn’t augur well for Hyderabad, who take on Chennai on Saturday night. Lehmann, who will be without the services of skipper Kumar Sangakkara, has been working hard on striking the right balance. So far, he hasn’t found a winning combination as he has very limited options on the foreign-players front. With Cameroon White, who will lead the side in Sangakkara’s absence, and Dale Steyn being certainties, he will have to choose between Daniel Christian, Daniel Harris and JP Duminy for the remaining two slots.”

Talking to HT on the sidelines of an inter-college cricket tournament, Gautam Gambhir was snappy when asked about Virat Kohli’s elevation as India vice-captain. “I have nothing to say. It was the selectors’ decision.” But doesn’t he enjoy being the leader of the pack? “I love it, I love the responsibility, the challenge, that’s what I play for, and that’s what I’ve always done.”

Does he feel his stint with KKR will revive his hopes of leading India? “I don’t think about becoming the India captain. For me, it’s about scoring lot of runs for India. Leading India is always a great honour, but I would hate to get picked as captain who can’t contribute in the middle. If ever I am selected as the captain of India, it will be a great honour.”

The 30-year old emphasised the importance of the team over individuals, adds HT. “I’m a very strong believer in the eleven men on the field performing as a unit. For me, individuals don’t matter, they never will. Even in team meetings I do not talk about individuals, it is the team that has to win you games.”