IPL 2018: Anil Kumble believes that MI will miss Harbhajan Singh's experience
What's the story?
Anil Kumble spoke of Mumbai Indians' bowling line-up in the show The Dugout on Star Sports Select. He believes that the reigning champions will miss the expertise of Bhajji with the bat and ball.
"Mumbai Indians will certainly miss the experience of Harbhajan Singh as spinner. Krunal Pandya is a really good all-rounder, but he will have to lead the spinners now," said the Indian legend on the show.
In case you didn't know...
Harbhajan Singh was signed by the Chennai Super Kings at his base price of Rs. 2 crores. The player has moved on from his former team, the Mumbai Indians, to a different team for the first time in the IPL.
The heart of the matter
"The experience of someone like Bhajji during those four overs and also what he brings with the bat as well (is missing) but having said that they have the other bases covered," added the former chief-mentor of MI.
With the role of Lasith Malinga changing to 'bowling mentor' from 'bowler', Kumble believes that Jasprit Bumrah and Mustafizur Rahman will play crucial roles for the Mumbai team. He also suggested that Bumrah, who has grown 'leaps and bounds', will be their go-to bowler.
Talking about the U-19 stars this season, he affirmed that they will be in focus. It will be a big opportunity for players like Prithvi Shaw, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, he believes. "The Hardik Pandyas, the Bumrahs, all have come through the IPL, it is an opportunity for everyone. We know Shreyas Iyer, no matter how much domestic performances he had, but as soon as had a good IPL performance, then suddenly people start noticing it," he concluded.
What's next?
The new CSK off-spinner, Harbhajan Singh, will meet his former team for the league opener in the Wankhede Stadium on the 7th of April.
Author's take
The MI team is certainly lacking experience in the bowling department after Harbhajan's exit. However, with the likes of Bumrah, Fizz, Cummins, Hardik among others, they surely have a deathly pack of pacers. Krunal leading the spin team with youngsters like Chahar and Dananjaya must make the best of their new responsibilities.