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Harbhajan to work hard for India comeback

July 19, 2013 08:23 IST

Image: Harbhajan Singh
Photographs: Robert Cianflone-IPL 2010/IPL via Getty Images

Shocked at constantly being ignored by the selectors, off-spinner Harbhajan Singh said he will make every bit of effort in the next few months to make a comeback into the national side.

"I will strive hard in the next 2-3 months and do every bit to bounce back into the national squad," he said in Chandigarh, on Thursday.

"Lot of things are going to happen in the next 2 to 3 months," said Harbhajan, adding that there is a lot of cricket left in him.

Despite performing well at the Indian Premier League this year, Harbhajan remains out of favour as he was ignored for the ICC Champions Trophy, followed by the tri-series in West Indies and the upcoming Zimbabwe ODI tour.

"If the IPL is a platform to return back in the national squad I did very well. I took 24 wickets and Mumbai Indians were champions," he said, adding that "now it is for the
selectors to take a final call on me".

Harbhajan to work hard for India comeback

Image: Harbhajan Singh
Photographs: Hamish Blair/Getty Images

After the IPL, Harbhajan has got little opportunity to have a good bowling stint due to lack of any cricket in India because of the monsoon season.

He, however, added: "I am ready to play cricket whenever I get a chance" and is looking forward to play the Champions League Twenty20 in September.

"It has not brought down my motivation...cricket is everything for me. There is lot of cricket left in me...say at least five years. I have the passion to play the game,"
Harbhajan insisted.

Stating that he is happy with the way things are shaping up for him, Harbhajan said, "There are ups and downs in everyone's life. I have played lot for the country without injury and won games."

Harbhajan to work hard for India comeback

Image: Harbhajan Singh
Photographs: BCCI

Though dejected at not being picked for the Zimbabwe tour, Harbhajan stressed "this is not the end of life".

"I will play all types of cricket, including domestic to make a comeback. I would like to be back in the next series itself," he said.

The spinner also shot back at his critics, saying, "Those who have played just a couple of matches should avoid commenting on those who played over 100 matches."

Harbhajan to work hard for India comeback

Image: Harbhajan Singh

On the current Indian team's performance and the bench strength, he said, "This team is doing well, which is a great sign. Players have taken up responsibilities very well."

However, Harbhajan issued a warning to the youngsters, stating: "One should be on his toes all the time. Whenever you get a chance just grab it. But cricket is such a game that it changes every third day."

The off-spinner is not deterred by the tragedy in Uttarakhand, where he too was among the lucky survivors.

"I will go to Hemkunt Sahib next year to pay obeisance. It was a sad experience. I was lucky to survive. Its very difficult for me to explain the experience," he said.

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