Media’s Harbhajan coverage “backlashed” – Dhoni

Victorious Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni tonight had a crack at the Australian media’s treatment of Harbhajan Singh this summer, saying their coverage steeled his team for a successful tri-series one day campaign.

Harbhajan has not been far away from the headlines during a long and tense 2007-08 campaign which ended tonight when India claimed the final tri-series title by whitewashing Australia with a nine run win in game two at the Gabba tonight.

The turban-clad spinner came into the game following a fresh controversy after being accused – but cleared – of making monkey gestures and spitting at the SCG crowd during India’s first final win on Sunday.

Dhoni claimed the constant coverage of Harbhajan had “backlashed” against Australia, making the Indian team stronger for the tri-series challenge ahead.

“It (coverage) worked for us. After a while you get used to it,” he said.

“It became part of our life for close to three months.”

Dhoni said Harbhajan had been treated “like Michael Jackson” by the Australian media.

“Harbhajan is leaving the country soon. I don’t know what the Australian media is going to do without him – they will need to find someone to replace him,” Dhoni laughed.

He was disappointed the good cricket played during the summer was “masked” by the off-field controversies.

Not surprisingly the Indian skipper also backed Harbhajan’s behaviour on tour.

“The more controversy (there was)…the more focused he was on performing. It gets difficult but …he’s the kind of player who fights hard – that’s what character is all about.”

Dhoni conceded that from the outside Harbhajan’s behaviour looks “rash”.

“But nothing was proved against him,” Dhoni said.