IPL 2021: Why did Harbhajan Singh not bowl for KKR after first over against SRH? Eoin Morgan explains

Harbhajan Singh is a veteran Indian spinner, having represented the Indian cricket team across formats. He currently plays for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, while he previously had title-winning stints with Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.

The Indian Premier League 2021 got done with its third match of the season, former champion Kolkata Knight Riders tamed fellow former champion Sunrisers Hyderabad by ten wickets at the MA Chidambaram (Chepauk) Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. The game also witnessed veteran Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh's first match with the purple army.

During the SRH chase, Harbhajan opened the bowling for KKR, giving away eight runs. However, he did not bowl any further during the match, leaving fans baffled.

Nevertheless, KKR skipper Eoin Morgan explained that Harbhajan's decision not to bowl and guide other young bowlers in the side. "Bhajji starting really well in the first over and not playing a part after that but using his experience to guide the others just shows that," he said during the post-match press conference.

Harbhajan was roped in by KKR during the auction this season for his base price of ₹2 crore. He has impressive figures in the tournament, having claimed 150 wickets in 161 matches at an economy of 7.05, including four title wins.

Harbhajan's Twenty20 record speaks for himself, as he has claimed 235 in 266 at 6.77, including a fifer and three four-fors. He also helped India win the ICC World T20 2007.

Furthermore, Morgan also expressed his delight at the winning start KKR attained. "It was a tight game against a really tough side. Really happy with the start. We were very happy with our score; we thought if we bowled half-decently well, we should get over the line," he concluded.