Essex stint has helped in my comeback bid, says Harbhajan

Come September, Harbhajan Singh will be back in India colours but it’s more of a “sense of relief” than happiness for India’s seniormost spinner as he makes his international return against New Zealand in T20s. 

“I don’t know whether the India call-up worked as a tonic but I have been in prime form for Essex during the past week. I feel a lot relieved as if a huge load is off my chest. For the past week, the weather has been good and it helped my rhythm,” Harbhajan told PTI in an interview from England. 

Having taken 11 wickets in last two county games, the 32-year-old Harbhajan did the star turn for Essex on Sunday as he scalped five for 37 and blasted 22 off 13 balls against the Netherlands national side in a Pro-40 game.  “I am a professional player and it is my duty to contribute for Essex. It’s a great team and I would be grateful to the management as this county stint has helped in my comeback bid.” 

A battle-hardened pro, it has been a lonely fight to regain his place in the national side. “I never thought that I needed a holiday. I have been fighting hard to earn my place back in the Indian side and I needed to work hard for that. For me, the greatest relaxation is playing the game. I know when I require a break but it’s certainly not the time to take a break,” he said. 

The best part about Harbhajan’s county stint has been the chance to bowl some long spells, especially, the 65 overs he bowled in the match against Glamorgan. “I needed to bowl long spells and I am glad that I have been able to bowl a few long spells.”