Read on the application
Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has advocated for Virat Kohli to return the captaincy of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), saying the veteran has the perfect combination of enthusiasm, commitment and aggression to take the team forward in the upcoming season. Kohli is the top scorer in IPL 2024 with 661 runs in 13 matches. During this period he has scored runs at a strike rate of 155.16. RCB are in the race for the playoffs with 12 points from 13 matches and are fifth in the table.
“If they fail to qualify (for the playoffs), they should look at an Indian player (for the captaincy),” Harbhajan said on Star Sports’ program ‘Press Room’. Then why not make Virat Kohli the captain. MS Dhoni has a lot of influence on the Chennai Super Kings team, Virat Kohli is also a big captain, he knows what kind of cricket the team needs to play, he said, “Now he is very aggressive, very passionate. Playing with And same with Virat Kohli. I want to see Virat Kohli leading the team responsibly.
Asked about team owner Sanjiv Goenka’s aggressive conversation with KL Rahul after Lucknow Super Giants’ loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad last Wednesday, Harbhajan said that these things are not good for the good atmosphere in the team. He said, “Captain and management may have differences but negotiations should be done behind doors which is better for everyone. The conversation should take place inside the dressing room. Whatever conversation is going on, it is not appropriate for a team environment.
Harbhajan gave the example of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) owner Shahrukh Khan in this context. He said, “KKR is a great franchise, Khan Sahib (Shahrukh Khan) has a huge fan following. Hats off to the man, he doesn’t interfere at all when it comes to cricket. His dressing room looks very safe. A good mentor does just that, wherever he goes he makes sure everyone is given equal importance and the team plays as a unit. “Happier teams are more successful.”
Harbhajan also praised leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal’s performance in the ongoing IPL. He said, “He (Chahal) is the only bowler who is bowling like a spinner. He is spinning the ball, he has flight, he has variety and he is using it very intelligently. When I watch his bowling and other spinners, there is a huge difference.