IPL 2019 | Why should I be worried about Russell, asks Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh has started IPL 2019 with a bang taking five wickets in three matches, which include the likes of Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle, with an economy rate of 5.58. He has been MS Dhoni’s strike bowler with the former Indian skipper seen using Harbhajan in the powerplay overs many a time. However, Bhajji would next be up against another player, who has started his season with a bang as well – Andre Russell.

The KKR hard hitter has single-handedly won his side three matches scoring 207 runs in five matches with a strike rate of 268.83. Coming up against CSK, he could be their biggest threat but Harbhajan has stated that he isn’t worried about any player.

"I have been playing 20 years at the top level and taken a few important wickets, so it doesn't matter. Never have I bowled looking at the face of the batsman. Till I last knew, they pick me to get these batsmen out. Why should I be worried about Russell, or for that matter, anybody else?" he asked in an interview with TOI.

T20 is a tricky format that could see a two-time Man of Match winner being dropped in another game as it doesn’t suit the combination. However, while it could become an ego issue for many, Harbhajan has said he fully understood the demands of a situation.

"Yes, of course, I would love to play all games, but then team composition is important. I have known MS Dhoni for donkey's years and I know team comes first for him as well. Right now, my aim is to ensure that I do the best whenever I get a chance," said Harbhajan, who has 711 wickets to his name.

Before coming to CSK last year, the off-spinner has had resounding success in IPL with Mumbai Indians where he even led the side to a Champions League title. And he has revealed that the pressure to win in Mumbai is much more than what he has felt in Chennai over the last two years.

"I have great respect for MI and they are wonderful this year as well, but the pressure of winning is more there. Here in CSK, it's more chilled out, you are expected to win, but it's not a matter of life and death here," he said.

Harbhajan also revealed that despite not playing much cricket on the domestic circuit he has worked on his run-up, which has helped him to maintain his impact in the games that he has played so far.

"I have gone back to my old run-up and coming in from an angle instead of the straight run-up that I was trying in the last few years. The energy in the run-up is more...And don't forget, experience too plays a huge part. You can't buy experience in the market, it's something that you acquire by playing. The rest is about keeping yourself fit and doing the right amount of training," he added.