Critics must stay away from me: Harbhajan

That's the message man of the series Harbhajan Singh sends out to his detractors

Harbhajan Singh is an expressive individual. Whether it is in the manner he celebrates a scalp, faces the camera for an interview, or counter-attacks the bowlers. Having won the man of the series award against New Zealand for a tally of 315 runs and 10 wickets, the feisty off-spinning 'all-rounder' caught up with MiD DAY at the team hotel yesterday.

On the series-win against New Zealand:
It is special feeling. Previously I have got this award (man of the series) as a bowler. But in this series, I have performed in both departments. I scored back-to-back hundreds, and got wickets too. In hindsight, I would have been happier to take a few more wickets.

On his batting outdoing his bowling:
Yes, for a change, I got confidence in my bowling because of my batting.

On the forthcoming tour of South Africa:
The wickets are going to be very different. But, I don't think too much about that. I have to perform to the best of my abilities. I want to play according to my potential.
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On the criticism he has faced:
I don't care what they (critics) are saying. Their job is to talk and they are paid for it. I am not answerable to anyone. I have no time for them. I know how I have played 90 Test matches and most of these people who are talking haven't even played five Tests. Tell them to stay away from me. They should concentrate on their jobs.

On the pressure after Anil Kumble's exit:
I don't think a lot has changed since he left. The pressure of doing well remains the same. When you play for India, pressure is always there.