Kohli will get to learn a lot from ‘friend’ Kumble: Harbhajan Singh

Very few have the insight about Anil Kumble like his long time bowling partner Harbhajan Singh, who feels that Test captain Virat Kohli will find the most ideal “friend, philosopher and guide” as the duo aim to take Indian cricket to next level.

Very few have the insight about Anil Kumble like his long time bowling partner Harbhajan Singh, who feels that Test captain Virat Kohli will find the most ideal “friend, philosopher and guide” as the duo aim to take Indian cricket to next level.

Harbhajan Singh speaks during an event in New Delhi.(PTI File Photo)

“With no disrespect to anyone, Anil Kumble will forever remain India’s greatest ever match-winner in Test cricket. And he will bring that hunger to win in this team also. Virat will get to learn a lot from the man himself. Virat doesn’t believe in draws and neither did Anil bhai. He will be Virat’s ideal friend, philosopher and guide,” Harbhajan told PTI during an interview.

Having played alongside Kumble for a decade, Harbhajan straightway pointed out what Kumble would bring to the table.

“Unbelievable work ethic and discipline. And top it all, his ability to devise strategies against opposition batsmen. Let me tell you, under Anil bhai, boys will learn the art of winning Test matches on fourth and fifth day. He will change the misconception that Indian spinners need tailor-made wickets to win Tests at home,” said India’s third highest wicket-taker in Test cricket.

Harbhajan feels that coaching degree at the international level is the least important thing.

“Tell me what’s the role of a coach? At this level, his role is to help the captain in devising strategy. In Mumbai Indians, he would speak to me and Lasith Malinga -- as we were the leaders in bowling department. We would tell what we are planning and he would give us his feedback. And when you got that feedback, you knew that he had done his homework,” said Harbhajan.

Harbhajan gave the example of how they had played Matthew Hayden during the 2004-05 home series against Australia and it was mainly because of Kumble’s planning.

“During the 2001 series, Hayden got 549 runs. With his reach, he was even sweeping deliveries well outside the off-stump. During the 2004-05 series, even though we lost 1-2, we had sorted Hayden out as he got less than 250 runs (244 runs in 8 innings). It was Anil bhai, who made me aware about the areas to bowl to Hayden. I got him out thrice, Anil bhai and (Murali) Kartik got him once for not many,” Harbhajan fondly recalled.