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I enjoy playing under Chappell: Bhajji

The Indian off-spinner says his equation with the team's coach has improved considerably now.

Updated on: Apr 30, 2006 06:11 PM IST
None | By , Dubai
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Indicating that his differences with coach Greg Chappell were a thing of the past, Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh says his equation with the Australian has improved considerably now.

HT Image
HT Image

"It took some time for me to get adjusted to a new coach. Today I enjoy playing under him," Harbhajan said.

At the height of the spat between Chappell and former captain Sourav Ganguly, the 'Turbanator' had come out openly against the coach, accusing him of instilling "fear and insecurity" among players and adopting double standards.

But the relations seem to have mended since and Harbhajan now readily acknowledges the Australian's contribution to the team's rising fortunes in the recent past.

"He has great knowledge about the game and it has been a very successful year for us under him. He has lifted our team to great heights," the off-spinner was quoted as saying in Gulf News on Sunday.

Harbhajan, who has 227 wickets in 55 Tests, said he was trying to improve further by learning from other contemporary spinners.

"I am happy with what I have achieved so far in the last six years and I see another 10 years ahead of me," the bowler said.

However, Harbhajan rated Sri Lankan Muttiah Muralitharan as the greatest off-spinner in the world.

"Muralitharan is the finest off-spinner. He can even turn on ice. He has the revolution in the air which many bowlers do not have and that makes him a special bowler.

"Muralitharan's wrist is so supple that he can get those revolutions very well. My wrist is not like his and moreover he is a legend," said the Indian who was here to record a TV cricket show.

Talking about his spin twin in the one-day side, Ramesh Powar, Harbhajan said, "He is a fine bowler and it is great to bowl with him at the other end. He is a good prospect."

Describing the chucking controversy as a "bad dream", Harbahajan said he was happy that it was now behind him.

"It was the toughest phase of my career. I consider that period as a bad dream. I am happy I have come out of it," he added.

 
Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk Hunger Strike LIVE and more across India.
Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk Hunger Strike LIVE and more across India.
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