Heading into the third test a lot of talk has once again centered on Harbhajan Singh. His inconsistency with the ball is beginning to hurt and taking some time off may not be a bad idea. In the recent past Harbhajan has managed to escape the scrutiny he would have otherwise been subjected to due to his form with the bat. His improvement as a batsman has been remarkable and his commitment needs to be applauded. However, that can no longer hide the increasingly toothless performances that Harbhajan has been coming up with and solutions need to be found.
There is an increasing tendency amongst modern day spinners to push the ball through. The abundance of limited overs cricket means spinners are reluctant to give the ball air. A spinner is generally at his best when he slows the pace down and invites the batsman to attach him. This increases the spinner’s chances of beating him in the air and this often leads to a wicket.
Harbhajan also needs to work on his line of attack. Pitching the ball on middle stump and turning it towards leg is a strategy that I’ve never been able to understand. The other perplexing aspect of his bowling seems to be the lack of variety. Harbhajan in days gone by had a wicked doosra. This kept the batsman guessing. His reluctance to bowl the doosra now means that Harbhajan relies entirely on his stock delivery, the off break, and batsmen are beginning to find this quite easy to negotiate.
India may get away with an underperforming bowler against the West Indies. This is unlikely to happen against the stronger international sides. With away tours to both England & Australia on the horizon, for Harbhajan it’s time to shape up or be shipped out.
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