IPL 2019: Neck Injury And Family Issue Rule Harbhajan Singh Out Of KKR Game

Chennai Super Kings have started their title-defence on a stunning note. The defending champions are all but assured of a place in the playoffs after winning first 6 of their seven games.  A a result, Chennai Super Kings are sitting pretty at the top of the points table. Their next game is against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens.  While the Super Kings will definitely start the game as firm favourites, they know how tough the game will be.

Knight Riders have looked almost unstoppable more often than not at the Eden Gardens. In the ongoing season, they have already defeated the likes of Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab although they lost their last home game which was against Delhi Capitals. Chennai Super Kings, however, should guard against complacency. The reigning IPL champions had tasted defeat at the venue last year.

What makes their task even more tough is the absence of their in-form veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh. Harbhajan has been one of the reasons behind the team’s stunning performance this season, delivering consistently especially in the powerplay overs. The former India star has picked up 7 wickets in 4 games so far. He had starred with the ball when the Knight Riders visited Chennai earlier this week.

The off-spinner had picked up 2 for just 15 off his four overs, helping Super Kings win the game by 7 wickets.

He, however, has not travelled with the Chennai Super Kings team for the upcoming game as he is recovering from a neck injury. Harbhajan is also having some family issues.

“I was supposed to play in Jaipur against Rajasthan Royals but in the morning of the game, I had severe neck pain and had to pull out,” Harbhajan Singh told India Today.

As he was recovering from the neck pain, both his wife and daughter fell ill and he decided against travelling to Kolkata.

“Both my wife and daughter are not keeping well. I am in Mumbai taking care of my family. Once they get well, I will join the team back,” said Harbhajan Singh.

If all goes well, Harbhajan is likely to join the team for the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 17.