Harbhajan Singh on Friday denied suggestions that the "star value" of some players is helping them retain their place in the Indian team despite poor form.
"There's no such thing [as star value]. We all are equals in the team. Ultimately, what matters is performance," Harbhajan said on the sidelines of a promotional event in New Delhi.
"I have been playing for over eight years now. All I know is that if your game is good then you need not think about other things," the Punjab off-spinner said.
Outgoing selector V B Chandrasekhar had recently said in an interview that the biggest problem that the selectors faced was they could not drop the star players.
On concerns expressed by a few former cricketers, including Ravi Shastri, over constant shuffling of the batting order, he said, "everyone has his own opinion to give.
"We want different players to take up different roles, see how they perform in different situations. It's a matter of time [before the team starts winning again].
"We've been experimenting before like sending Irfan [Pathan] up the order and things have been working for us. It's only one series that it hasn't worked and suddenly there's hue and cry."
Admitting that the team didn't play well in Malaysia, Harbhajan said, "we are disappointed but you can't just keep thinking about it. We have a good side and we've done well in the past."
He also stressed that "there is no need to panic," and that the mood in the team is upbeat.
Harbhajan was the standout performer for India in the tri-series in Kuala Lumpur with six wickets from four matches. Harbhajan also played a crucial knock of 37 in the match against the West Indies which India won despite posting a modest target.
"I am very happy with my bowling. I think I have bowled well not just in Malaysia but over the past one year. At this time [of my career], I am really enjoying my bowling."
Talking about the upcoming Challenger Series, he said: "it's a very important tournament before the Champions Trophy. There will be competitive cricket in which one can't relax."
Harbhajan also said that he sees nothing wrong in playing four fast bowlers in the Indian team.
"It depends upon the conditions before match. It's important to have good fast bowlers who can win you matches. Sreesanth and Munaf [Patel] did really well in the last series."
On the poor form of Pathan, he said, "Irfan is a great guy. He's done very well for India. I'm sure he will bounce back."
Calling Piyush Chawla a "good spinner", the 'Turbanator' said, "there are also a few other young spinners who can do well for India in the near future and Challenger Series is a good opportunity for them."
