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Harbhajan Singh Hails Chahal's "Classical Spin Bowling" Masterclass vs CSK

Former spinner Harbhajan Singh analyzed Yuzvendra Chahal's economical spell of 1/21 for Punjab Kings against Chennai Super Kings. He explained that Chahal's success stems from giving the ball flight and revolutions, creating deceptive dip and turn that batters misjudge. Harbhajan described this technique as true "classical spin bowling," a rare and dying art in modern cricket. He noted that only a few bowlers, like Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, still practice this traditional craft effectively.

Key Points: Harbhajan Singh on Chahal's Classical Spin Bowling vs CSK

  • Chahal's 1/21 spell key to PBKS win
  • Harbhajan Singh explains flight and revs create dip and turn
  • Classical spin bowling called a "dying art"
  • Only a few like Chahal and Kuldeep practice it
  • Chahal is IPL's all-time highest wicket-taker
2 min read

"Classical spin bowling": Harbhajan Singh on Yuzvendra Chahal's spell against CSK

Harbhajan Singh explains why Yuzvendra Chahal's spell was a masterclass in classical spin bowling, calling it a "dying art" in the IPL.

"This is classical spin bowling, which is a dying art, almost like dinosaurs; there are only a few left now. - Harbhajan Singh"

Chennai, April 4

Former Indian spin bowler Harbhajan Singh touched upon Yuzvendra Chahal's spell against Chennai Super Kings in the seventh fixture of the Indian Premier League.

Chahal's bowling figures of 1/21 in 3 overs proved crucial in Punjab Kings five-wicket win over CSK on Friday. In a match where every bowler conceded runs at an economy rate of over 9, Chahal's economy stood impressively at just 7.

Speaking on JioStar, Harbhajan explained that Chahal succeeds because he gives the ball more flight and spin, creating dip and turn that deceives batters into mistimed shots. He described this as true "classical spin bowling," a rare skill, adding that only a few bowlers like Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav still practice it.

"If you look at it from the side angle, when the ball leaves a spinner's hand, it should come out from the top of the hand and drop down to the bottom, almost forming a half-moon shape. Yuzvendra Chahal isn't very tall either, so he uses that to his advantage by giving the ball more air and flight. The more you flight the ball, the more revs you get. And the more revolutions there are, the more the ball will dip and turn. Because of this, the batter feels like the ball is coming towards them, but it actually isn't; the ball is still far from them. That's why when you go for a big shot, you end up hitting high but not long, because you are early into the shot," Harbhajan Singh said.

"This is how a proper spinner bowls. This is classical spin bowling, which is a dying art, almost like dinosaurs; there are only a few left now. There's Kuldeep, there's Chahal. The rest say they are spinners, but like everyone else, they don't bowl like one, they just keep bowling fast," Harbhajan added.

Chahal is the highest wicket-taker in the history of the Indian Premier League, with 224 wickets in 176 matches at an average of 22.68.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
It's a bit sad though, isn't it? Harbhajan says it's a dying art. So many young spinners just focus on bowling flat and fast. We need coaches to nurture this classical skill. Chahal and Kuldeep are treasures.
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Aman W
While I respect Harbhajan's insight, calling others "dinosaurs" or not real spinners feels a bit harsh. The game has evolved. Different conditions demand different styles. Chahal is brilliant, but so are other spinners who bowl quicker through the air.
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Priyanka N
That explanation of the half-moon shape from the side angle was fantastic! Makes you appreciate the craft so much more. You need serious courage to toss the ball up in T20. Chahal has that in abundance. 👏
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David E
As a cricket fan from abroad, this is why I love watching IPL. You get to see such masterclasses in skill. Chahal's spell was the difference. Economy of 7 when everyone else is going at 9+ is match-winning.
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Karthik V
His height being an advantage is such an interesting point. He uses his lack of height to create that steep dip. Genius! Hope the selectors are watching. We need this kind of smart bowling in the T20 World Cup squad.

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