Zaheer was talking to Laxman and not Ponting: Harbhajan

Seeking to clear air over the altercation paceman Zaheer Khan had with Ricky Ponting, India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh said the whole issue was a misunderstanding on part of the Australian captain.

Harbhajan said Zaheer's remarks were not directed at Ponting as the paceman was just talking about the rival skipper with teammate VVS Laxman.

"I was not there when the incident happened. But a teammate told me that Zaheer was telling Laxman that 'Ponting is getting old'. Ponting thought it was directed at him and he came back asking what did he exactly say?," Harbhajan told official broadcasters before the start of the second day's play.

Ponting had heated exchange with Zaheer after being run out on the opening day of the first Test.

Shane Watson pushed the fourth ball of the 42nd over towards mid-wicket and called Ponting, who was batting on 71, for a quick single.

Before the Australian skipper could make his ground, Suresh Raina's throw hit the stumps.

Ponting was walking back towards the pavilion when he turned back after hearing some comments from Zaheer.

With the Indian players standing in a pack, Ponting walked back towards them pointing the bat at them when umpire Billy Bowden intervened and sent the Aussie skipper back to the pavillion.

Harbhajan, who was involved in the infamous monkeygate scandal with Andrew Symonds, said he was 'lucky' for not being around when the incident happened.

"I was having a drink at the other side. I only came to know about it later. But these things happen in cricket but I believe for both teams playing good cricket is the priority," he said.

The off-spinner also expressed surprise about the nature of Mohali wicket which is low and slow in nature.