Yuvraj’s return and Rohit’s match winning knock makes Monday special for Harbhajan

It is so heartening to see Rohit Sharma going out and delivering what is expected of him, writes Harbhajan Singh in Times Of India on Rohit’s innings against the Deccan Chargers on Monday. “Rohit is one of the most gifted players among the current crop of Indian cricketers. He is a clean striker of the ball with loads of time even against some of the fastest bowlers in the world. On the bowling front, Munaf Patel joined the party to give us those crucial wickets. I would also like to hail the mighty effort of Dale Steyn. I consider him as one of the best fast bowlers of our times. His spell was outstanding and all but stopped us from passing the finish line,” writes Bhajji, adding that Monday was a special day for him.

“It started with the good news of my buddy Yuvraj Singh returning home after beating cancer. And it ended with a nail-biting win over Team Hyderabad. It was a close match and an absolute paisa vasool for the fans. Talking about challenges and obstacles, who knows it better than my friend Yuvraj. It is so good to see his smiling pictures in the media. Behind that smile, of course, is the pain and the struggle he has gone through. God has given him exemplary courage and determination to fight and win the battle against cancer. We know each other for a long time and have seen many ups and downs together. This man has gone through a lot, but there has been no space for complaints and regrets,” writes Harbhajan in TOI.

According to a report in HT, Munaf Patel was fined 25% of his match fee and received an official warning and reprimand while Harbhajan Singh was given a warning and reprimand for the Level 1 offence for the dissent they showed towards the decision given by the umpires regarding Deccan Chargers skipper Kumar Sangkarra. Hindustan Times writes everybody wants to win, no matter what it takes.

“Aware of the price on Deccan Chargers’ captain Kumar Sangakkara's scalp, the Mumbai Indians went almost out of the way to plead their case, a just one however, to the umpires during their match on Monday. Even after square-leg umpire Johan Cloete made it clear that he didn't want to check with the TV umpire, Mumbai Indians kept insisting. On being asked to resume, Munaf Patel threw away the ball in anger and play was held up with Harbhajan Singh & Co asking for a referral again,” writes HT.

Meanwhile according to media reports, Pune Warriors captain Sourav Ganguly has been handed an official warning and reprimand for breaching Clothing Regulations of the IPL Code of Conduct during his team’s match against Kings XI Punjab here on Sunday. Ganguly pleaded guilty to a Level 1 offence (Article 2.1.1) of a breach of the Clothing Regulations, an IPL release said.