India shouldn’t prepare rank turners to win games, says Harbhajan
Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh feels that Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble partnership have a chance to change the face of Indian cricket by avoiding the ‘rank turners’ tactics in home games. Harbhajan feels that will go on to help the Indian batsmen and the pacers to prosper well in home conditions too.
Of late, India have used the strategy of playing pitches which offer turn for the spinners from the first day of a Test to put pressure over any opposition touring the country. Although the tactics have reaped success in the form of wins but Indian batsmen and pacers have struggled to get going as well. The pitch became a hot topic for debate in the media after India defeated South Africa last year in the Test series.
Harbhajan Singh, however, feels that India should change the concept of rank turners to give some advantage to the batsmen and pacers as well.
The Turbanator said to PTI, “Over past four-five years, the previous team managements preferred pitches where Test matches would end inside three days. But I believe both Anil bhai and Virat are positive people, who would like play on good Test pitches, where the results are decided on fourth evening or by fifth day post lunch session.”
India’s third highest wicket taker in Tests, Harbhajan also added that, “We should look at the bigger picture. Are we gaining anything by winning inside two and half to three days? Are we also being fair to our batsmen who struggled against South African spinners during last home series?"
New Zealand has the likes of Ish Sodi and Mitch Santner in their ranks which could prove to be dangerous for India if they decide to use turning tracks.
Bhaji said, “Save the last Test match at Kotla, where Ajinkya (Rahane) batted exceptionally and Virat got runs, our batsmen also suffered. I can tell you if we go for rank turners, it can boomerang on us like World T20 in Nagpur. Mitch Santner and Ish Sodhi could prove to be a handful.”
He added about the importance of pacers saying, “People criticise Ishant for having played nearly 70 Test matches (69 Tests) with barely 200 plus (202) wickets. But has anyone cared to find out how many overs Ishant had bowled in India? And how many overs with new ball and how many with old one which reverses?
“And why Ishant has not bowled much is because of having such wickets where you need spin in first hour. If he doesn't get to bowl with the new ball when the seam is hard and new, then we are being unfair to Ishant, who is such a workhorse.”
Harbhajan has also supported Amit Mishra, who couldn’t perform as per the expectations in the recently concluded Duleep Trophy, inclusion in the side.
Bhajji said, “If you observe, Mishra bowled on first two days when the pitch was at its flattest best and that too against Pujara and Gambhir. Agreed that Jadeja bowled better but he bowled on third, fourth and fifth days when the pitch had wear and tear."
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