Finger-spinners still have a role to play, says Harbhajan Singh

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], Mar 24 (ANI): Harbhajan Singh, who had a key role in Chennai Super Kings' seven-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first IPL match on Saturday, has said finger-spinners are still important and that all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja can be an X-factor in India's World Cup plans.
"You talk about Ravindra Jadeja, he is always in the game as long as he's looking to spin the ball. He is someone I feel could be a key member for India to win (the World Cup). He is a factor when he bowls, bats and he is a gun fielder. Finger-spinners should be given the responsibility and they will deliver," Harbhajan said while receiving the Man of the Match award.
"I feel finger-spinners have a role to play. Spinners need to back themselves to spin the ball rather than not spinning it. Most of the new generation whether you talk about an off-spinner or a left-arm spinner, they don't look to spin the ball," he said.
Harbhajan claimed three wickets for 20 runs in the match.
The spinner explained why wrist-spin has gained more importance off late and how it influences the limited-overs format. The veteran also had some tips for the wrist spinners to become more effective in the format.
"Wrist-spinners are bowling three-four different kind of balls. You know they have got the leg-spin, googly, flipper and you may bowl that ball which goes straight but with more spin on it – top-spin kind of ball, so they have got 3-4 balls under their belt they could bowl at any point of time," he said.
"New generation feels that people who can (turn) the ball both sides have more chances than the finger-spinners, it's obviously their mentality... I have played all my cricket as a finger-spinner and I have never complained about it. And I did okay, not bad. I am quite happy with whatever I have achieved,"  he added.
The veteran has claimed 711 international wickets, out of which 294 have come in the white-ball format.
He rolled back time, producing a vintage performance against RCB, dismissing Virat Kohli, Moeen Ali and AB de Villiers.
CSK next takes on Delhi Capitals on Tuesday, March 26 at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in the national capital. (ANI)