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'Comeback was always on my mind; that's what I was playing for'

June 08, 2015

Harbhajan Singh during an IPL after-party. Photograph: Getty Images

Keen to prove a point on his comeback for the upcoming Test against Bangladesh, veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh says his role in India's squad is still the "same as it used to be 5-7 years back" when he was spearhead of the bowling attack. 

"My role is same in the team as it was 5-7 years back. We need to work as a unit. All the four or bowlers need to back each other.

"When it comes to goal, it is same (as) when I was playing alongside Anil Kumble and Amit Mishra. It is to help each other in winning games," Harbhajan said.

His is returning to the side after two years, but when questioned about the difference from Harbhajan of the old, he quickly countered, "Can you see any difference? There is no difference."

Harbhajan Singh during a training session. Photograph: Getty Images

India's third highest wicket-taker in Tests again stressed that he always had the self-belief to make a comeback.

"Last two years I have been out of the team but I always had that in my mind that I am going to make a comeback and, obviously, I have been bowling well whenever I have got the opportunities at whatever level I have played,. The comeback was always on my mind and that's what I was playing cricket for," the 34 year-old said.

"I have played in the IPL. I keep on meeting my seniors... they keep on pushing me that I have got lot of cricket left in me. I am very happy that I have seniors who have always been there for all of us.

"It's nice to be back in the side and, hopefully, I can contribute to the team's success," he added.

Asked about his partnership with Ravichandran Ashwin, Harbhajan said, "Our main job is to win games for Team India and working and bowling with him will always be a good. Both of us are trying to win games for India. So we are going there as a team and, as a team, we need to push everyone together and in one direction to win the game." 

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