Harbhajan is an all-rounder for us: Dhoni

CAPE TOWN - Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was all praise for Harbhajan Singh’s batting pyrotechnics which ensured their victory in the third ODI against South Africa, and said he considers the off-spinner an “all-rounder”.

India pulled off a two-wicket thrilling win Tuesday and now lead the five-match series 2-1. The visitors chasing a target of 221 runs were 93-5 at one stage but Yusuf Pathan scored a smashing 59 and Harbhajan chipped in with 23 after the fall of Pathan to guide the team home.

“Harbhajan is an all-rounder for us, though we do not put the pressure on him by calling him one. He has been bowling very well, taking the momentum away from the South Africans,” Dhoni said.

Harbhajan has been a revelation with the bat, off late. He struck two successive Test centuries against New Zealand, which came at crucial times.

On Yusuf Pathan, Dhoni said he expected the elder of the Pathan brothers from Baroda - Irfan is Yusuf’s younger brother - to play his natural game.

“We just told the youngsters to play their natural game, we want Yusuf to play the sort of game he plays.”

The captain gave out the reasons for the side’s second successive victory after suffering a heavy loss in the opening game in Durban.

“We have been outstanding so far, ground fielding has also improved a bit. Our catching has been decently good.”

“It was a very good effort from the lower middle order. We also did well in the death bowling and powerplays.”