Frustration for Harbhajan as India refuse risk
Special Correspondent - 11 April 2002
So, once again in the first Test in an away series, India is without Harbhajan Singh. While he was overlooked in South Africa, here in Guyana it is more of a cautious approach adopted by the team management that has kept him out, as the manager of the team puts it: "We don't want to take any risk. He will be needed in the rest of the four Tests."
In South Africa, Harbhajan was furious when he was dropped. He had played quite well in the one-day series. But the experience of Anil Kumble, who was on a comeback trail, saw the leg-spinner get the nod from the team management and it was he who played the first Test. "Then there were no value for the performance you put up in these months (When Kumble was absent)," was all the "Turbanator" could utter then.
And here too, he was very eager to play. "Yes, I know I've an injury. There were some problems in the shoulders while throwing the ball. But the MRI revealed nothing. And I was eager for the Test. But Leipus said that it would be better for me to take rest for this match since the stress of five days cricket can easily aggravate it. I have to sit out now," said a clearly dejected Harbhajan.
He has his reasons too. As soon as the news spread that he had problems in his bowling shoulder, his rival, Sarandeep Singh was flown in from India. And Sarandeep is no mean bowler. Kumble might have enjoyed his permanent place in the national squad since there was really no leg-spinner to threat him his place but Bhajji does not enjoy such luxury.
And after taking four wickets in the tour opener, he was perfectly placed too. "Yes, I really wanted to begin the Test series from the very first opportunity available. But you can have absolutely no control over the injuries and I am content to see the match from the dressing-room, cheering my teammates".
Since the wicket in Guyana is on the slower side, Harbhajan and Kumble in tandem could have been the ideal bowling-attack Sourav Ganguly wished for. But, like his prodigal off-spinner, he too would have to think otherwise now!
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