IPL is not easy for bowlers: Cricketer Harbhajan Singh

Cricketer Harbhajan Singh wishes boundaries were farther in IPL, which would help the bowlers in an otherwise “difficult tournament’.

Cricketer Harbhajan Singh wishes that boundaries were farther in IPL (Indian Premier League), to help the bowlers in an otherwise “difficult tournament”. With the tenth edition of the domestic T20 tournament starting April 5, Singh who plays for the Mumbai team, emphasises that the tournament is designed mainly for batsmen.

Harbhajan Singh feels on-field banter between players has lessened because of Indian Premier League. (Hindustan Times)

“It is very hard to be a bowler in the IPL. On such batting wickets, it is hard to contain a batsman. Haan, agar thodi boundaries badi ho jaayein toh acha hoga (if the boundaries get a bit farther, it will be good). Or, if they can make pitches that help the bowlers more than the batsmen, then it will be an even match,” he laughs.

Never to be discouraged, the off-spinner, adds: “You have to take it as a challenge. You can’t say that it is difficult, and use it as an excuse to not perform. A sportsman must have the passion to perform, whatever the conditions or circumstances might be.”

Notwithstanding the recent on-pitch clash of tempers between Indian and Australian players in the ongoing Test series, Harbhajan, who himself has been at the centre of many such controversies, says IPL has lessened sledging. “After IPL, players from different countries have become friends, and the tension in international games is not what it used to be. And even if there is something, it’s nothing but light hearted banter,” he says.