Harbhajan Singh Rates ODI Comeback as Fresh Challenge

File photo of Harbhajan Singh.© AFP

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 cricket. 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 said in an interaction on Monday.

Asked if his decent outing in the one-off Test against Bangladesh has prompted the one-day recall, Harbhajan said, "That the national selectors would be able to tell you. 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. That's what happens from junior cricket to first class to international cricket."

For Harbhajan, this tour will also be a chance to exchange ideas with newer 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 and also at the same time learn from them. Cricket is like life. You never stop learning. Till the day, I would play this game, I would not like to stop learning," said the veteran of 102 Tests and 228 ODIs.