Injured Harbhajan raring to lead spin attack in NZ

Following veteran leg-spinner Anil Kumble’s retirement,Harbhajan is the senior most bowler in the slow bowling department and the spinner said he was ready to shoulder the responsibility.

“Whenever I played,I have always taken responsibility. Now,after Anilbhai’s retirement,I know I have to take the responsibility in New Zealand and I am ready for that,” he added.

India will leave for New Zealand later this month for a full series there.

Despite Harbhajan’s absence,the Indian team has clinched the five-match ODI series in Sri Lanka with their unassailable 3-0 lead over the hosts and Harbhajan felt the batsmen had sorted out Sri Lanka’s enigmatic spinner Ajantha Mendis.

“The success in Sri Lanka is a result of team effort. We played great cricket there,specially the batsmen are tackling Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis pretty well. During last year’s tour,Mendis was no doubt a real threat to India but our batsmen have now sorted him out,” Harbhajan said during a promotional event of a sports good company in New Delhi.

He also heaped praise on young left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha for his impressive performance in the three matches played so far.

The 28-year-old spinner credited self-belief for the team’s consistent show in recent times. “The present team has self-belief which is the reason behind the team’s success. Every players is ready to take challenges and knows how to deal with it. The team now has the self-belief to chase even 350 runs against any side,” he said.

Harbhajan also lauded Gary Kirsten,saying the coach played a major part in Team India’s success.

“He (Kirsten) has a big role behind India’s success. Under him,the dressing room environment has become positive. There is always a jovial atmosphere in the dressing room,even in tense situations. He shares a lot of suggestions and gives tips to each and every player,” he said.