Ace Indian leggie Anil Kumble feels that he and Harbhajan Singh could help India write a new and glorious cricketing chapter during the tour of South Africa.

"It's going to be a tough tour. South Africa is obviously a good side... But with me bowling in tandem with Harbhajan, the pressure would be much more on their batsmen.

"I have played matches alongside Harbhajan. Now he has definitely developed into a fantastic bowler. Remember, he is only 21. He has a lot of potential. It's a great thing bowling with him," Kumble told the Press Trust of India in Bangalore.

The leggie, who will be celebrating his 31st birthday on October 17, has played in all the twelve India-South Africa Tests. He has claimed 51 wickets with his best match haul of 8/113 coming in the second Test between the two sides at the Wanderers in Johannesburg in November 1992. His 6/53 in the home team's second innings in that Test gave India what has until now been their best chance of a victory on South African soil.

Harbhajan, for his part, has never crossed swords with the South Africans.

The Turbanator, as he is known these days, has on many occasions acknowledged Kumble's role in polishing his craft. After a magical series against the Australians, the young sardar's bowling has, though, bordered on the mundane. But with Kumble at the other end and ever ready to dispense advice, Harbhajan might soon find the zip returning to his bowling.

The Guru-Shishya duo will surely be hoping to rewrite the absymal record of the Indians in South Africa where they have never won a Test, losing three of the seven matches in the bargain.

The South Africans, meanwhile, have won thrice on Indian soil. This includes a 2-0 whitewash, the last time the two sides met in early 2000. In all, India have won only two of the twelve Tests while South Africa have won six.

The fact that the South Africans are known to have suspect technique when it comes to handling quality spin is something Kumble will remind Harbhajan about. The tussle between the home batsmen and the duo, then, should make for engrossing viewing come October.

© CricInfo