India's spin department is healthy: Kumble

India found new spin heroes in Ravichandran Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha in the absence of Harbhajan, who was not considered for national duty for a long time before making a comeback in the ongoing World Twenty20.

Kumble, who is world's third highest wicket-taker with 619 scalps, said Harbhajan was exceptional and Ashwin's main attribute was a calm head which is crucial to perform under pressure.

The former captain also said that leg-spinners such as Amit Mishra, Rahul Sharma and Piyush Chawla should be given a good number of opportunities.

Talking about leading spinners of the country, Kumble said in Ashwin, Harbhajan and Ojha India have a very potent spin attack.

 

"You'll never know the real calibre of a spinner if you don't give him enough opportunities. Right now the spin cupboard is pretty healthy because there are two spinners (Ashwin and Ojha) who are performing on the field," Kumble said.

"There's Harbhajan who has the experience of picking 400 Test wickets and who's a highly fierce competitor and exceptionally skilled. When he comes back to being his best, you'll have three quality spinners in the side plus the three leg-spinners waiting in the wings," Kumble told BCCI's official website today.

Talking about Harbhajan, Kumble said he still has a lot to offer to the national team.

"He's been exceptional. He lost a little bit of confidence and the only way to regain it is to be part of the team and play more and more matches. He's done that before and I see no reason why he cannot perform again. I certainly feel that Bhajji is still one of the best spinners that we have in India and it's just a matter of time before he comes back to bowling at his best," he said. More