Hats off to Kallis, says Harbhajan

“He is a great player. I would say after Tendulkar, he is the best player in the world,” Harbhajan told newsmen.

“Not seen many people take up the responsibility and bat the way he did in this series. He has the technique to play in all conditions. He is in the form of his life.

“His record speaks for himself. It’s always a challenge to bowl against him. I have not seen many people bat the way he batted today.

“Hats off to him, for the way he batted in the whole series. Kallis is a top-class player, he showed again how good he is. He had a plan in mind, he played lots of reverse sweeps. I have not seen many guys connecting every one of them properly and hitting them where he wanted them to.”

Harbhajan took seven for 120, the best figures by an overseas spinner in South Africa in 50 years, but the Proteas went from 130 for six to 341 and set India a target of 340. The offie said the Indian fast bowlers should have bowled better.

“At one stage, we were in a very, very good position. From there, they batted well but we could have created more chances with out fast bowling. We didn’t bowl the right sort of length. Their seamers haven take most of the wickets in this Test. There still was a lot of bounce and carry, but we didn’t bowl as well as we should have.”

“I am happy I got seven wickets,” he went on.

“I have been reading a lot of things about me not being among the wickets but I have contributed enough for the country. I don’t need to keep on talking about my performances. I am happy I got 15 wickets in this series, it’s the most from our side. I can’t complain.”

The first hour on Thursday, Harbhajan stated, would be crucial.

“We must see off the new ball,” he emphasised. “And we need some fireworks from Sehwag. I am sure if he gets going, anything is chaseable. I hope Viru gets going and gives us a good start.”