CHENNAI, India, (Reuters) – Fresh from a rare test  series victory in New Zealand, off-spinner Harbhajan Singh  believes India have what it takes to beat the best in the world  on their home soil.

India’s test series win in New Zealand this week was their  first in four decades. It was also their third successive test  series victory since beating top-ranked Australia in November.

“This team is capable of winning anywhere,” Harbhajan told  Reuters in an interview on Friday.

“If we play to our potential, stick to the basics and focus  on the job, we have the team that can beat anyone anywhere.”

India defeated Australia and England in back-to-back series  at home last year and are once again considered a true force in  world cricket.

India have yet to win a test series in Australia, although  they squared a close series 1-1 in 2004 and lost a  controversial test series 2-1, before winning a tri-series last  year.

India won their first test in South Africa in 2006 and  emerged surprise winners of the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup  there two years ago.

The 28-year-old bowler said winning matches overseas has  made a big difference.

“The guys are confident, confident of performing in any  conditions,” said Harbhajan, the side’s main spinner since Anil  Kumble retired last year.

“I think this team can win anywhere — South Africa,  Australia — we have got the ability to exploit any  conditions.”

Harbhajan is his country’s second most successful spinner  and emerged the highest wicket-taker in New Zealand with 16  wickets.

Their success streak, including a 1-0 win over England, has  triggered debate in the cricket-mad country as to whether the  current side are the best yet.

India are ranked third behind Australia and South Africa in  the test rankings and the batting-heavy team has found a potent  new ball pair in the wily Zaheer Khan and quick Ishant Sharma.

The pair have played a significant role in the last three  series victories and are regarded as the best new ball pair in  the business.

“Zaheer has bowled beautifully to give India early  breakthroughs,” Harbhajan said of the left-armer. “Ishant is  still raw, and he needs to be focused. He is a talented  bowler.”

Harbhajan, who has taken 330 test wickets and over 200  one-day wickets, did not get drawn into the debate of whether  the team is India’s best yet.

“I won’t want to compare between eras,” said Harbhajan.

“But a batting like up of (Virender) Sehwag, Gautam  (Gambhir) … (Rahul) Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar,  (Vangipurappu) Laxman, Yuvraj (Singh)… I’d say it is one of  the best. It’s an exciting team.”