IPL 2019 final: Harbhajan Singh, Rahul Chahar — CSK and MI's silent heroes
Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh for the Chennai Super Kings and leg-spinner Rahul Chahar for the Mumbai Indians have turned in effective performances in this edition of the Indian Premier League.
Published : May 11, 2019 18:13 IST
Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan Singh has been pivotal to Chennai Super Kings' successful run this season, and the veteran off-spinner once again came to the fore in CSK's six-wicket win over Delhi Capitals in Visakhapatnam, that powered the M.S. Dhoni-led side to its eighth IPL final.
Harbhajan's two for 31 helped restrict Delhi to a modest 147, while also making him the fourth bowler in the history of IPL to pick up 150 wickets. The 38-year-old is currently the third highest wicket-taker in the tournament, behind Lasith Malinga (169) and Amit Mishra (157).
Trolled as the 'Dad's Army' after the auctions last season, CSK's spin spearhead has proved, with his guile and experience, that age is no bar when it comes to trumping challenges on the 22-yards.
Rahul Chahar
Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma has displayed confidence in 19-year-old leg-spinner Rahul Chahar, who has delivered with 12 wickets in as many matches at an economy rate of 6.83.
Chahar starred with the ball against the Chennai Super Kings in the first qualifier, deceiving Chennai Super Kings batsman Murali Vijay with a classic leg-spinner’s dismissal, getting the ball to turn off the surface.
Earlier, in the innings, in the third over, Rahul had snared the in-form Faf du Plessis on the cut after Rohit had boldly tossed the ball to the leg-spinner. The youngster came through in a high-stakes game, and will be eyeing an equally impressive performance on Sunday.