Harbhajan Singh has dismissed any talks of leaving the Chennai Super Kings as a mere speculation without any substance. “There is no need for anyone to speculate and believe this kind of sources,” Harbhajan told InsideSport.co from Southampton, where he is part of the Sky Sports commentary panel for the England-India cricket series.
There has been a speculation in a section of media that Harbhajan is set to join the Delhi Daredevils as a mentor.
Harbhajan, while dismissing the news as mere speculation, told InsideSport.co that “at the moment I am happy being where I am. They (Chennai Super Kings) are a great franchisee and we are a great team. I am having a good time.
“If at all I have to make a move I will reveal it myself. There is no need to believe sources. I am the best source for any news about me.”
The Indian Premier League 2019 in all likelihood will witness a new-look Delhi Daredevils – from name and appearance to the team management in the dugout.
National daily Times of India has reported that Harbhajan is part of Delhi Daredevils’ major revamp plans, which also included changes in the team’s look and name.
The franchise owner entity following the JSW entry has already been rechristened the JSW GMR Cricket Private Limited. Reports suggested the team too may enter the IPL Season 12 with a new look and a new name.
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The Delhi Daredevils team management was reportedly considering a major revamp in the team management. While coach and former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting was tipped to gain absolute powers as the team head coach, the India off-spinner was reportedly being considered for helping him as a mentor.
Ponting and Harbhajan have enjoyed good camaraderie ever since their playing days for Mumbai Indians.
Ponting is likely to be fully-empowered for all the cricketing decisions while Harbhajan was said to be roped in to assists him as the team mentor. The paper quoting sources privy to the development had reported that Harbhajan will quit Chennai Super Kings, who had acquired the veteran off-spinner in the IPL player auction for ₹ 2 crores.
The 38-year-old Harbhajan in lead up to the Delhi Daredevils deal was also tipped to quit the IPL as player after all the 11 seasons – first 10 with the Mumbai Indians and then with the Chennai Super Kings last season. The report stated that he might also announce his retirement as player from all forms of cricket.
Earlier this week, Hemant Dua had stepped down as the Delhi Daredevils Chief Executive, paving the way for the entry of a new face to commercially drive the IPL franchisee.
Also read: Indian Premier League: Hemant Dua steps down as Delhi Daredevils CEO