 Zeenews Sports Bureau
New Delhi: After leading the IPL franchise Mumbai Indians for four years, Sachin Tendulkar has handed over the captaincy reigns to Harbhajan Singh.
Incidentally, it was Harbhajan Singh who led Mumbai Indians to their first piece of silverware in the Champions League T20 tournament where they defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai last year.
Sachin said he wanted a break from the responsibility of captaincy. The Master Blaster had met a doctor was in London days few days regarding his toe injury and there was a bit of suspense over his availability for the tournament. But Mumbai franchise assured that he would be available for the entire season.
Harbhajan Singh, who was dropped from the Indian squad after home series in against West Indies, will be looking to grab the opportunity to make his way back to the national reckoning and with the added responsibility of captaincy he would also be keen to led Mumbai to another title this season.
After leading the IPL franchise Mumbai Indians for four years, Sachin Tendulkar has handed over the captaincy reigns to Harbhajan Singh.
Incidentally, it was Harbhajan Singh who led Mumbai Indians to their first piece of silverware in the Champions League T20 tournament where they defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai last year.
Sachin said he wanted a break from the responsibility of captaincy. The Master Blaster had met a doctor was in London days few days regarding his toe injury and there was a bit of suspense over his availability for the tournament. But Mumbai franchise assured that he would be available for the entire season.
Harbhajan Singh, who was dropped from the Indian squad after home series in against West Indies, will be looking to grab the opportunity to make his way back to the national reckoning and with the added responsibility of captaincy he would also be keen to led Mumbai to another title this season.
Mumbai Indians owner Nita Ambani termed it as a "difficult moment when Sachin expressed his desire to relinquish the captaincy."
"But we believe that Sachin is the best judge on such matters and hence, as always, we fully support his decison. I have learnt a lot during the last three seasons working with Sachin closely. Sachin is the soul of Mumbai Indians, and I am sure he will guide Bhajji as he takes on the responsibility of captaining Mumbai Indians," Nita Ambani said.
Harbhajan termed this as a "huge honour" as he thanked Sachin and Mrs Ambani for entrusting this responsibility.
"Sachin paaji spoke to me about his decision of wanting me to take over the responsibility of the team. It is huge honour and I thank Paaji and Nita Bhabhi for the faith reposed in my abilities", he said.
"Mumbai Indians is a great team with explosive talent and promising youngsters. I am committed to do the very best and look forward to leading the team to play to its full potential during the season," Harbhajan added.
(With PTI inputs)
First Published: Monday, April 2, 2012, 19:25
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