IPL 2018: Anil Kumble has found a leader for Kings XI Punjab

Kings XI Punjab retained Akshar Patel during the pre-auction retention.

Harbhajan Singh was not retained by MI for IPL 2018

India's former head coach Anil Kumble thinks Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) can be led by veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh. KXIP have lacked a good leader in the last couple of years and that has not helped them at all.

Lauding Harbhajan, Kumble said the 37-year-old has the ability to control the game despite the passing years. He added that Punjab can also build their bowling unit around their only retained player Akshar Patel.

"He [Harbhajan] could be the potential captain for Kings XI Punjab. They already have Axar Patel Patel, so Axar and Bhajji can be two spinners with whom they can revolve the bowling attack around," Kumble said during Star Sports' analysis show "Game Plan - The Marquee List".

"I think he still has consistency. He may not be picking wickets like what he used to but he is economical," Kumble added.

Anil Kumble knows Harbhajan can be game changing with his bat too. He also considers his experience a plus for Kings XI Punjab. 

"Over the last couple of years, wrist spinners have come into play more than the finger spinners in T20s. In terms of what he can offer, it's definitely control. Irrespective of whether he has been playing, with all the experience he has, he still has control and he will deliver. His batting is certainly sometimes an asset. You never know when he can come and change the game. He is fearless, he brings that to his game as well, which I think Punjab need," he said. 

Harbhajan, who has picked up 127 wickets at 26.54 in 136 matches, was not retained by Mumbai Indians (MI). The off spinner is among the 16 marquee players at the IPL 2018 auction, which will be held in Bengaluru on January 27 and 28. His base price is Rs 2 crore.

 
 

By Sihyeu Singh - 24 Jan, 2018

    Share Via