After bowling just a couple of wicket-taking balls in his 43 overs on the SSC pitch where the Sri Lankan spinners got 19 wickets, Harbhajan Singh left Colombo with a lot on his mind. A week at Galle, the Island’s sublime, southern-most tip that happens to be a one-stop destination for those wanting a refreshing change, has given Harbhajan a dose of confidence that even the glossy tourist brochures wouldn’t have promised.

As the Indian team strolled around at the Hotel Fortress a day after their triumph next to the Fort, Harbhajan’s relaxed mood reflects on the entire touring party. There were no Monday morning blues here.

Coach Gary Kirsten was in the baby pool enjoying a ball game with his kids as the rest of the squad enjoyed the late-morning sea breeze after a late, lazy breakfast.

Indian bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad is walking around, with a good reason to sport his big, broad smile. Despite the fact that it was the batsman who got the Man of the Match award, it was the bowlers who had a big role to play in India’s series-equalling win.

Inspired show

Prasad speaks about the inspired show by his bowlers — his favourite Ishant Sharma wicket, he says, was the one when he surprised Tillakaratne Dilshan with extra bounce to have him caught behind — but as there were too many magic moments involved, Prasad soon switches to Harbhajan’s 10-wicket haul.

“The main quality that the bowlers need on these wickets is patience. There wasn’t much in the pitch so they had to be focussed all the time. On such wickets you need variations and that’s what Harbhajan had,” said Prasad.

... contd.