Bangalore, Aug 17: Ace off-spinner Harbhajan Singh today said he was hungry to win more and more matches for his country and was ready to take over the mantle of the strike spin bowler if so required. The 23-year-old Harbhajan, who was preferred over veteran Anil Kumble for the larger part of the World Cup earlier this year, said he enjoys bowling in tandem with the 32-year-old leggie and together they have been quite successful.
"I consider Kumble as a senior bowler and respect him. I think we have done a good job together," Harbhajan, one of the 36 probables undergoing the conditioning camp for the upcoming New Zealand home test series, told reporters here.
But Harbhajan said he knew one day he would have to step in Kumble's shoes and he was prepared for that.
"Obviously Kumble is a great bowler and has been winning matches for a long-time. But somebody has to come and take his spot. So, I would be happy if I can do that," he said.
Harbhajan said whenever he is out in the middle his first priority is to help the team win the match rather than bother too much about his individual performance.
"Whenever I go, I just try to take wickets. As a bowler, you have to take as many wickets for your country. Otherwise, it is of no use going out there.”
"I know ultimately I have to win matches for the country. That is more important for me than taking two or five wickets."
Asked about his injured spinning finger, Harbhajan said it was okay now though he was still undergoing physiotherapy exercise. Bureau Report