It’s hard to be in the wilderness for more than two years but Harbhajan Singh was always “very confident” of once again donning the Indian colors and has termed his latest comeback a “fresh beginning”. After being picked for the one-off Test against Bangladesh next month, the Punjab stalwart is set to come out all guns blazing.
“It feels like a fresh beginning for me. It’s a new innings which I want to start on a confident note and make the best possible use of the chance that I have got,” an elated Harbhajan told PTI.
The ‘Turbanator’ earned his recall exactly two years two months and 15 days after he had last played for India against Australia at Hyderabad in March 2013.
“There would be team selections and I would eagerly wait for it. For the past two years, I have been working hard for this day. Not for a single day, nor for a single moment did I have a feeling that I won’t play for India again,” said the 34-year-old, who has 413 wickets from 101 Test matches and is only the third Indian behind Anil Kumble and Kapil Dev.
Ever Though of Retirement?
Did the thought of retirement ever cross his mind as reported in certain sections of the media, the feisty bowler replied, “At this point of time, I am ready to play for another four to five years. I am confident that I could represent India in all formats to the best of my abilities.”
Harbhajan’s bowling has been praised by one and all during the season and many felt that it has been the best that he has bowled in over the last eight editions of IPL. Asked about it and Harbhajan was quick to retort, “Was I bowling badly in 2013 when I got 24 wickets in IPL? I don’t see it like that. If people feel that I am bowling at my best in IPL this season, I accept it with all humility. I have constantly worked on my bowling and believe that I have evolved as a bowler.”
Encouragement From Sachin & Kumble
Harbhajan also added that he got a lot of encouragement from the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Anil Kumble -- two people he has always looked upto for inspiration and motivation. “They would always have encouraging words for me. You can talk about your game with these legends. Sachin kept on telling me that I have it in me to play for India again and I should always have self belief. When it comes from a legend like him, it means a lot.”
Eyeing Second Highest Test Wickets Record
Harbhajan goes for the one-off Test against Bangladesh next month only 21 wickets shy of Kapil Dev’s record of the second highest Test wickets with 434. But the man with close to 700 international scalps across three formats doesn’t want to look at records. “My job is to contribute to the best of my abilities for my country. I have never played for records and it won’t change as long as I am playing competitive cricket,” he concluded.
(With inputs from PTI)