CSK respond to Harbhajan rumours, Hasan Ali's bold claim and more - Cricket News Today, 6th September 2018

The Indian Premier League may be more seven months but that doesn't mean that it can't still dominate the headlines. Delhi Daredevils, who finished bottom in IPL 2018, are looking for a mentor to join the support staff along with coach Ricky Ponting. Anil Kumble has emerged as a leading candidate and Harbhajan Singh's name was thrown in as well and his current employers, CSK certainly had something to say about.

With Hong Kong qualifying for the Asia Cup by beating UAE, now there is a question mark about whether they will be given temporary ODI status or not. Even while that is happening, Pakistan fast bowler has already started the war of words ahead of the Asia Cup while newly-appointed India captain for the Asia Cup, Rohit Sharma has the backing of an Australian legend.

Here are all of today's important developments from the cricket world.

CSK deny reports of Harbhajan joining DD as the mentor

Among the many names, who were rumoured to be in contention for the role of mentor for Delhi Daredevils in next year's IPL, Chennai Super Kings spinner Harbhajan Singh also featured. Although the off-spinner no longer turns out for India, he was an integral part of the CSK side who returned with a bang as they won the IPL.

CSK officials have categorically denied rumours of Harbhajan leaving the reigning IPL champions. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanath told Mumbai Mirror: “Harbhajan called us from UK to clarify that he is not going anywhere and is committed to the CSK franchise”.

When he is not calling the CSK camp to let him know that he plans to stay with the side, Harbhajan is wondering why Mayank Agarwal still hasn't found a place in the Indian side.

Where is Mayank Agarwal ??? After scoring so many runs I don’t see him in the squad ... different rules for different people I guess.. pic.twitter.com/BKVnY6Sr4w

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) September 5, 2018

Hasan Ali's bold claim

The 24-year-old has three ODI five-wicket hauls already

Virat Kohli has been rested for the Asia Cup and Pakistan fast bowler Hasan Ali believes that that gives the advantage to Pakistan heading into the tournament. While bemoaning the fact that he won't be able to take Kohli's wicket in the Asia Cup, he also added he wants to do the impossible and take all 10 wickets in an ODI.

Speaking to the media during Pakistan's camp in Lahore, Hasan Ali said: "The advantage to us is that the way Virat Kohli can handle the pressure, someone else who comes in his place might not be able to. We are on top right now. They [India] are under pressure from the previous defeat. In UAE, these are our conditions, we have the home advantage as we have been playing here for long, and are aware of how to use the conditions.

"India are a good side and I wish to take all ten wickets rather than a five-for, and make my fans across the world happy with my celebration style. There is definitely pressure but I feel good when pressure mounts on me because that is where I try to perform and help my side win," he added.

Sri Lankan fast bowler Chaminda Vaas holds the world record for best figures in an ODI courtesy his 8/19. No bowler has ever taken nine wickets and Vaas is the only one to have even taken more than 7 in ODIs. So that is certainly a bold claim from the Pakistan pacer especially when he has never taken more than five wickets in an ODI.

Brett Lee backs Rohit to come good

Rohit has the support of the former Australian pacer

Former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee believes that Rohit Sharma, who has been appointed as India's captain for the Asia Cup, will get the best out of himself and the team. Lee also added that in the absence of Kohli, Dhawan and Rohit will be key to India's chances of retaining the Asia Cup in the UAE.

“Two key batsmen for India in the Asia Cup — Shikhar Dhawan and secondly Rohit Sharma. I believe Rohit will get the best out of himself and also the team because he has been given that extra bit of responsibility to lead the Indian side,” said Brett Lee.

“With Virat Kohli not playing, Rohit and Dhawan will be the two key men with the bat for India. There is a lot of talk about how Rohit can’t face left arm fast bowlers - with the swing and the ball going across him but, I don’t necessarily agree with that, but what I can say is that in the UAE it will be a different style he will have to face. Yes, they will bring on the left-arm fast bowlers to target Rohit, but I believe on the lower and slower wickets in UAE, Rohit will dominate. I believe the wicket will help him out,” he added.