Harbhajan Singh's Return Means Ravichandran Ashwin Can't Relax Anymore: Sunil Gavaskar to NDTV

Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar is all praise for Harbhajan Singh who made a comeback into the Test squad for next month's tour of Bangladesh. India will play one Test in Fatullah from June 10 to 14. The 65-year-old Gavaskar told NDTV Harbhajan's return will keep Ravichandran Ashwin on his toes.(Harbhajan Singh's Burning Desire to Play for India)

"Harbhajan has over 400 Test wickets. He will compete and Ashwin can't relax anymore. That's healthy for Indian cricket," said Gavaskar in an exclusive interview on Wednesday.

"Full marks to Harbhajan for the comeback," Gavaskar said.(Harbhajan Back in Test Squad)

On being asked if Harbhajan's selection was justified based on his form in the Indian Premier League, Gavaskar firmly said the 34-year-old off-spinner had nothing to prove.

"I think he has nothing left to prove, having played over 100 Tests for India."(Harbhajan Says Test Recall a New Beginning)

Harbhajan has been in good form in the ongoing edition of the IPL. He has 16 wickets with a personal best of 3 for 27. In addition to that, he has scored 111 runs which include a 19-ball fifty.

Gavaskar was quick to point out that Harbhajan's inclusion was an example that form was the criteria for selectors. He went on to say that this would serve as encouragement to other seniors who were eager to win a Team India recall.

"Selectors have indicated that current form is everything. It's good news for senior players on the sidelines," said Gavaskar.

Harbhajan has been rewarded for his conviction to play for Indian again. "Every day I wake up, I wake up with a dream and that is to get back into that Indian side," he told the IPL website.

"All I tell myself is to continue to bowl well and keep doing what I have been doing right over the last few years," Harbhajan said after Mumbai Indians' beat Chennai Super Kings to enter the IPL final. Harbhajan turned the match on its head with the crucial wickets of Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni.

This recall could be just the boost that Harbhajan needed to extend his international career as India are playing a lot of cricket at home this year. However, Gavaskar warned against taking Bangladesh lightly and feels the players can't afford to relax.

"Bangladesh can't be taken lightly. They have beaten Pakistan. Indian players can't afford to rest," he said.