Bhajji makes his case for Twenty20

MUMBAI, August 6: Here's an interesting poser for the Indian selectors. Should they go in for specialist spinners or opt for bits and pieces players who double up as spinners for the Twenty20 World Cup?
While the selectors' mind will be known on Tuesday, one of the contenders, Harbhajan Singh, has already put his hand up to be counted. India's No 1 spin option until recently, the 'Turbanator' is currently toiling in English county cricket for Surrey.
The shortest format of the game is considered to be cruel to bowlers in general, and spinners in particular, but Harbhajan told TOI from London: "In Twenty20 there are a lot more chances to take wickets than in any other form, especially if you are a spinner.The batsmen are forever looking to hit and that gives you a chance to take wickets. You just have to keep hitting the right spot."
What might impress the Indian selectors is that the highest wicket-taker in English Twenty20 cricket for the last two seasons has been a spinner. Left-arm spinner Nayan Doshi, son of former India spinner Dilip, has topped the charts and has made a case for slow bowlers. Nayan, incidentally, was Harbhajan's teammate at Surrey till he walked out of his contract.
"Most wickets are taken by spinners even now. (Chris) Schofield (a leg-spinner) is doing well this time," added Harbhajan of his teammate.
According to Harbhajan Singh, two seasons of Twenty20 cricket in England have provided him with the right ideas on how to go about playing in this format. "Obviously your mindset changes a bit. Remember, in Twenty20 you are going to be hit. But your mind has to be sharp all the time because of the fast-paced nature," opined Harbhajan.
While most teams, including India, hedge on picking specialists, Harbhajan bats for his tribe. "Taking wickets is the best and only way to win matches whether it is Tests, ODIs or Twenty20. Even in Twenty20, if you score a lot of runs it is of no use if your bowlers do not bowl well. At the end of the day batsmen still get out the same way."
Baroda's off-spinning all-rounder Yusuf Pathan, brother of India discard Irfan, is considered an option. Yusuf is a clean striker and a tight offie, making him a perfect combination for Twenty20.
But Harbhajan is not one to be cowed down by such threats. "Even I can bat. I have a good record in Twenty20 as I showed in the domestic tournament. I can also hit the ball a long way," said Harbhajan.
As Harbhajan waits to know his fate on Tuesday afternoon, he presented his case one final time in his own style. "And in any case this is a World Cup, not any small tournament. You have to pick your best players," he said.