‘It’s another challenge for me’

It’s been an exciting last two months for Harbhajan Singh following a return to Test cricket and the senior off-spinner is now looking forward to the challenge of bowling in the limited-overs format.

The veteran off-spinner on Monday staged a comeback to India’s ODI squad for the tour of Zimbabwe after a gap of four years. “Obviously can’t tell you how happy I am that I will be wearing this blue jersey again. I don’t know anything apart from playing <g data-gr-id="30">cricket</g>. This is all I have done in my life and I am happy that I can again try and give my all for India,” an excited Harbhajan told PTI in an interaction here on Monday.

Asked if his decent outing in the one-off Test against Bangladesh has prompted the one-day recall, Harbhajan said, “For me, the aim was to give my 200 per cent in India jersey after a comeback. I had prepared hard for that match. “I believe cricket has a similarity with academics. A student studies day and night for his exams after 10 months.

The only difference is for a cricketer, there is an exam every third day and you have to be well prepared for every exam. I feel that Zimbabwe series is another exam and I am studying hard to excel,” the Turbanator said from his Jalandhar residence. “If you ask me, there is always pressure when you are making a comeback. As you cross different levels, the pressure increases.”

For Harbhajan, this tour will also be a chance to exchange ideas with <g data-gr-id="25">newer</g> crop of cricketers. “I have always believed in exchange of ideas. I believe that it is my responsibility to help the new crop of cricketers, guide them with my experience.”