Harbhajan conquers his own demons

By John Cheeran
Performers have nothing to fear but themselves.
Harbhajan Singh, a proven match-winner for India, does not enjoy coach’s confidence was one of the rumours that gained in currency as the off spinner went forward to defend the disgraced skipper Sourav Ganguly.
Well, the equation between two individuals and especially the equation between the coach and a player, must be left only to those two involved.
A difference of opinion is one thing; giving your best for team at all times is quite another.
Harbhajan Singh, the gutsy fighter and fierce competitor that he is, has come up with a superb effort to spin out Sri Lanka in the first innings for 206.
India’s leading off-spinner has turned the direction of the spotlight to his side by taking seven Sri Lankan wickets for 62 runs. Bhajji’s brilliant bowling has given India a big advantage; a huge first innings lead of 192 runs.
On Monday afternoon, Harbhajan struck repeatedly to paralyze the Sri Lankan innings.
Harbhajan opened out the game for India by sending back a well-set skipper Marvan Atapattu and Mahela Jayawardene.
On Tuesday, Harbhajan got more support from Anil Kumble.
Kumble, playing in his 100th Test, broke through the defence of Jehan Mubarak. That made the things quicker for India.
And Harbhajan kept spinning the ball effectively to spread doubts in the batsmen’s minds.
Though the Sri Lanka escaped the ignominy of a follow on, Indian spinners ensured that they did not flourish there.
All credit goes to, who else, Harbhajan Singh.
In the new era of Indian cricket it is not loyalty that counts. Wickets and runs determine and shape your career. And that as well determines your side’s fortunes. Harbhajan deserves his place in the side; and he has earned it through splendid efforts such as the one at Ahmedabad.
Now, it is up to Harbhajan to play his cricket fearlessly, as he has been doing in the past.
And I’m sure Greg Chappell and skipper Rahul Dravid will make things easier for the youngster by offering solace if and when things turn doosra.