But this time as Mumbai Indians captain, in an IPL-V clash vs Kings XI Punjab today
Harbhajan Singh will lead his Mumbai Indians against Kings XI Punjab on his home turf here at the PCA Stadium today.u00a0Punjab, led by David Hussey in the absence of an injured Adam Gilchrist, had prevailed in a last-over finish by chasing down a target of 164 against Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. Mumbai now have an opportunity to return the favour and improve their position, currently seventh, in the Indian Premier League-V points table. Sunday’s match also saw temperamental Mumbai pacer Munaf Patel being slapped with a fine for abusing Punjab opener Nitin Saini. Patel will be under pressure to mend his ways today.
Homecoming: Mumbai Indians skipper Harbhajan Singh at the Wankhede Stadium last week.u00a0Pic/Atul Kamble
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Gilchrist, set to sit out again for today’s game, felt that Mumbai would be tough to beat again. “I am not sure,” he told reporters when asked about the status of his hamstring injury. “Mumbai is a dangerous side. They are an all-round side with quality players and star-studded line-up,” he said. u00a0Meanwhile, Mumbai’s mentor-cum-bowling coach Shaun Pollock said that Sachin Tendulkar’s return stabilised their batting order. “No doubt Sachin brings with him a wealth of experience. He brings stability at the top. It’s his birthday today and hopefully, we can expect a great knock from him tomorrow,” he said yesterday.
Pollock backs Bhajji
On skipper Harbhajan not firing with the ball, Pollock said, “He (Harbhajan) is a good bowler and his time will come. I am sure he will come into his own.” Pollock also defended Rohit Sharma for getting out to an irresponsible shot in the previous tie with Punjab in Mumbai.
Really? Gilchrist stumped at win-loss record vs MI
Punjab enjoy an exceptional 6-3 head-to-head record over MI in IPL history.u00a0However, Punjab skipper Adam Gilchrist is not aware of this fact. “Is it so?,” he asked a reporter here yesterday, before adding, “I didn’t realise that. I didn’t take this up in the team meeting.” Gilchrist felt that the record does not make a huge difference. “Had it been 9-0, may be (then it would have made some difference).”u00a0
Gilchrist
Hussey’s wishlist
>> Improve head-to-head record
>>u00a0u00a0Dismiss Tendulkar cheaply
>>u00a0u00a0Not allow Harbhajan wickets
>>u00a0u00a0Shaun Marsh gets Orange Cap
>>u00a0u00a0Azhar Mahmood finds his mojo
Harbhajan’s wishlist
>>u00a0u00a0Get cheers from local crowd
>>u00a0u00a0Tendulkar gets a birthday fifty
>>u00a0u00a0Munaf Patel keeps his cool
>>u00a0u00a0Franklin fires at the top, again
>>u00a0u00a0Pragyan Ojha regains his formu00a0
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