‘New Name for Pressure Is Responsibility’

Given conditions in the Subcontinent, India’s fortunes may revolve around Harbhajan’s spinning fingers. His thoughts

Q Excited or under pressure?

The new name for pressure in the Indian team is responsibility. We know there will be pressure when we play at home, but we are also aware that we have the ability to do well under pressure. That has been our trademark over the past two years, and the World Cup will be no different. Every member of the team is aware of his role and we’ll all play our designated parts in the campaign. There’s a lot of positive energy in the team, which always helps cope with pressure.

Q Is this the best Indian dressing room you have seen in your career?

A It certainly is. In 2003 also, there was a lot of positive energy in the dressing room and it reflected in our performance. In 2007, the coach had a very bad influence on the team. He tried to provoke players against each other and the team was a divided house. With Gary taking over, we have turned into a fantastic unit, and Dhoni has done well to encourage the youngsters and give the seniors the freedom they need to excel.

Q You are now close to being an all-rounder. Your thoughts?

A I have done well with the bat in recent times. Having scored two consecutive hundreds against New Zealand, I got a lot of confidence. And now that I have been able to finish a match against South Africa in South Africa, I have the belief needed to win a match in any situation. This self-belief is what distinguishes the current Indian team. We now have the confidence to finish a match from any situation, and winning is a happy habit with us.

Q What does Harbhajan Singh bring to the Indian team?

A A player who is always ready to give hundred per cent. When I wear the India colours, I know I am privileged to do so. I am also aware that it comes with a responsibility. The people of this country want us to do well and it is my job as a senior spinner in this team to help youngsters achieve excellence. I have bowled well in the powerplays and given the captain an option in pressure situations. It is finally about contributing to the team’s cause and Harbhajan Singh has always done that.

Q Can you share your favourite World Cup moment with our readers?

A I will share two. One is rather funny. At Durban, in South Africa 2003, I remember a spectator threw a whole jug of beer at me. It was the first time something like that had happened in my career. On a more serious note, it was our dream run to the final in 2003 that remains the highlight of my World Cup career.

Q Is 2011 our best chance?

A We have a fantastic team and surely have the potential to do well. Every time a World Cup approaches, we say ‘this is our best chance’. But the fact is we have to play to potential when the time comes. This team has done so with consistency in the past two years and there is no reason why we can’t do so again.

Q You are extremely expressive on the field. Is it spontaneous or an act you put on to encourage your teammates?

A Cricket is a game of passion. And playing for India is a completely different feeling. We are doing it for our nation. Whatever I do on the field is spontaneous and is an expression of passion.  But I know I cannot hurt the sentiments of the opposition and have always tried to uphold the spirit of the game.

Q The Indian bowling revolves around Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan. A word on Zak.

A Zaheer has been the spearhead of the Indian attack for some years now. He is a veteran and is one of the most skilled bowlers in world cricket. He can bowl in any situation and more often than not has given us breakthroughs at the start of an innings. We have bowled well in pairs and have been able to exert pressure on the opposition. He is also an excellent teammate and has done a lot for the youngsters of the team. The best thing about Zaheer is that he always has a plan B or C up his sleeve and is never flustered.

Harbhajan SinghspinnerWorld Cup 2011