Critics can take a walk, I know my business: Harbhajan

Those who doubt his utility outside the sub-continent and mastery over the craft can take a walk, for Harbhajan Singh insists he knows his business and loathes unwarranted advice.

In an interview with PTI, the feisty off-spinner revealed exactly how much respect, or rather lack of it, he has for his critics, who questioned his efficacy outside the sub- continental dustbowls.

"These people need to go through the records. I have taken wickets outside the sub-continent, in the West Indies and England. I guess some people need a reason to go after me," said Harbhajan, who finished as the leading wicket-taker in India's recent tour of New Zealand.

"But to be honest, I don't play for them. At the end of the day, I play for my country which is, for me, much bigger than anything else. I feel great whenever I do well for the country," said the Punjab spinner.

And those who felt he often tended to bowl faster through air, Harbhajan said he knows his craft well and people better keep their opinions to themselves.

"See, I know what it requires to be successful at the highest level. I have taken 330 wickets in Test matches and 200-plus in ODIs. That goes on to show that I know what is required to win matches for the team", he said.

"Those who are sitting in the comfort of their drawing rooms and watching the matches on television better mind their business. They have no business telling me what to do," Harbhajan said.

The 28-year-old spinner from Jalandhar believes his rich success in New Zealand has not only silenced the critics but also established himself as a senior member of the side, spearheading the spin department led by Anil Kumble till the other day.

"Winning the series in New Zealand was highly satisfying. I really enjoyed myself there. I got wickets in the Twenty20 matches and was the highest wicket-taker in both the Test and ODI series. I want to keep performing like this.

"I had to take the responsibility (in Kumble's absence). When Anil Bhai was around, the workload used to get shared. Now I'm not only the senior-most spinner but also the senior-most bowler in the side and naturally I have lot of responsibilities on my shoulders," he said.

He took 16 wickets in the three-match Test series and 5 scalps in the one-dayers. Harbhajan's batting was a revelation in New Zealand where the 77-Test veteran proved he was much more than just a mindless slogger.

His 60 in the first Test against New Zealand propped India in Wellington and Harbhajan said while the team can always expect some runs from his bat in crises, time was ripe to get his maiden Test century.