IPL 2021: Harbhajan Singh was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the second round of the IPL Auction 2021. He was bought at his base price of 2 crore rupees. Harbhajan Singh’s long association and memories with the city of Kolkata aren’t new. His 13-wicket haul during the Kolkata Test of 2001-02 season against Australia is still fresh in the memory of cricket fans. He is now back to the city of joy again. This time, in a different avatar though.
In an interview with Sports Today, Harbhajan Singh opened up about his love for the city of Kolkata, for Eden Gardens and also how excited he is to play for KKR in 2021 season. "When we talk about Kolkata, I get goosebumps. Everything about the city takes me back, reminds me of Eden 2001. In Test cricket, I have always taken a 5-wicket haul. Even if I am not in form, if I go to Kolkata, I regain form. That's the blessings of Kaali Ma and the love from the people,” Bhajji said while talking about the new city that he will be playing for.
Harbhajan went on to talk about the nice nature of Bengali people. "There is some power that keeps me motivated in Kolkata. Thank you for all the support from the Bengali people. I have always said Kolkata is like another home for me,” he said.
Harbhajan Singh has picked up 150 wickets in IPL and is among the Top 5 wicket-takers in the League. He is an essential bowler to bowl in the middle overs as he has the ability to stop the run flow and also pick up a wicket or two.
"I am excited to be part of this journey with KKR. They have been champions twice. I will try and do my best and do whatever I can do to make sure they come at the top. It's a team game we all have to play, we have a big, big competition. We are looking forward to it. From my side, I will go more than 100 percent and do my best to get the right results for KKR,” concluded Bhajji.
Harbhajan's 2001 Hat-trick in Kolkata:
The Turbanator had opted out of the IPL 2020 due to personal reasons and then was left out by CSK before the IPL Auction 2021. He was picked by KKR after going unsold in the first round of Auctions. KKR’s spin attack is perhaps the best in the IPL with Bhajji, Narine, Kuldeep and Varun Chakravarthy.