Image courtesy of: Times of India
“It has not brought down my motivation…cricket is everything for me”
India spinner Harbhajan Singh has announced that he “will strive hard in the next 2-3 months” to regain his spot in the national team after being dropped, despite performing extremely well during this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL).
“I will strive hard in the next 2-3 months and do every bit to bounce back into the national squad,” Singh said. “Lot of things are going to happen in the next 2 to 3 months.”
Singh was snubbed by the national selectors for the Champions Trophy in England and for the tri-series tournament, which involved Sri Lanka and the West Indies.
“If IPL is a platform to return back in the national squad I did very well,” Singh added. “I took 24 wickets and Mumbai Indians were champions. Now it is for the selectors to take a final call on me”.
The 33-year-old is “ready to play cricket whenever I get a chance” and is hoping to impress the national selectors during the upcoming Champions Trophy Twenty20 (CLT20), where he will represent the Mumbai Indians.
However, despite not being a regular feature in the Indian side as of late, Singh has refused to let this douse his “passion” and fiery spirit.
“It has not brought down my motivation…cricket is everything for me,” he said. “There is lot of cricket left in me…say at least five years. I have the passion to play the game.
“There are ups and downs in everyone’s life. I have played lot for the country without injury and won games.”
However, Singh admitted to being frustrated at not having been picked for the ongoing Zimbabwe series, but added that it was “not the end of life”.
“I will play all types of cricket, including domestic to make a comeback,” he said. “I would like to be back in the next series itself.”
Singh also lashed out at his critics, saying: “Those who have played just a couple of matches should avoid commenting on those who played over 100 matches.”
The 33-year-old conceded the team have been in outstanding form, especially given the fact that they have dropped numerous senior players.
“This team is doing well, which is a great sign,” he said. “Players have taken up responsibilities very well.”
However, Singh also issued a warning to all the youngsters in the side, stating that they should make full use of all the chances they receive as nobody knows what tomorrow will bring.
“One should be on his toes all the time. Whenever you get a chance just grab it,” he added. “But cricket is such a game that it changes every third day.”