The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : I now enjoy playing under Chappell, says Harbhajan

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, May 01, 2006

Sport

Sport - Cricket

I now enjoy playing under Chappell, says Harbhajan

Dubai: After accusing Greg Chappell of creating ``fear and insecurity'' among players and adopting ``double standards'', Harbhajan Singh says he has finally adapted himself to play under the Australian and enjoys working with him now.

``It took some time for me to get adjusted to a new coach but today I enjoy playing under him. He has lifted our team to great heights,'' the off-spinner told Gulf News here.

``He has great knowledge about the game and it has been a very successful year for us under him,'' he added praising the Aussie.

Harbhajan, who was called for chucking at the start of his career, said he was happy to have left behind the memories of the controversy and called it a ``bad dream'' which has finally ended.

``It was the toughest phase of my career. I consider that period a bad dream. I am happy I have come out of it,'' he said recalling the hard days.

First love

The `Turbanator', who started playing at the age of 13, revealed that batting was his first love but gradually found his calling in spin bowling. ``I began as a batsman but once I started bowling spin I loved it. I used to bowl for nine hours in a day and fortunately for me my parents never stopped me,'' he said.

Harbhajan said he was happy with his current form but admitted that greater glory was still to be achieved. He said his success was also a result of support from fellow spinner Anil Kumble.

``I have learned the most from Anil Kumble. I have got many wickets because Kumble has bowled very tightly at the other end,'' he said praising the veteran.— UNI

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