Chennai: He has been the nemesis of the Australians for long and all set to make his 100th Test appearance against his favourite rivals, Harbhajan Singh says though it’s a big game for him, he is a bit nervous going into the first Test against Australia here on Friday.
One of the leading bowlers in Indian team, The Turbanator has been in and out of the team off late. But with 408 wickets from 99 Tests at an average of 32.27 and a strike-rate of 68.1, Harbhajan has been one of India`s most prolific bowlers and the off-spinner will become only the 10th Indian cricketer to achieve the milestone after it was confirmed that he will be in the playing eleven for the series opener.
"It`s a big game for me. Obviously a bit nervous but I am sure I will be fine. I have faced these situations before," Harbhajan said at the pre-match press conference, adding that he has learnt not to give up at any time.
"I have seen all the phases good or bad. These things happen. It has been a journey of ups and downs. One cannot be at the top all the time. Once I get away with 100, then I will see what needs to be done to play another 50-odd and I will work even harder for that,” said Harbhajan.
In praise of his seniors who he thanked for shaping and influencing his career, Harbhajan said that he has learnt a lot from the likes of Sourav, Dravid and Kumble. "I`ve learnt never to give up from these players. They are great cricketers and ambassadors for the game and showed us how to work hard. They made us believe we can win anywhere, from any situation. I`m very lucky, very proud that I`ve played with all these greats like Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid. Without their support I wouldn`t have achieved this," he added.
Saying that the desire to be in the playing XI kept him motivated, Harbhajan said that he worked harder when he was out of the team. “Playing for India itself is a big motivation. When you`re not playing, that`s what motivates you to work harder. I really worked hard as I wanted to come back and do well for the team," he added.
Talking about his 100th Test match, Harbhajan said it was a big moment for me. “It`s nice to see your name alongside with greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Sunny Gavaskar, and all the greats who have played for India in 100 Test matches. I remember playing my first game under Mohd) Azharuddin`s captaincy. It was in Bangalore, I was 17 and I had no clue about what was going to happen. I was just a little kid in the park, I was star struck by looking at these players. I was playing alongside Sachin Tendulkar, (Javagal) Srinath, (Anil) Kumble... They were my heroes. It was a great moment,” said Harbhajan, adding that he never thought he would play this long for India.
"I never thought I`d play for India for this long and play 100 Test matches. God had been really kind. I would like to thank the Almighty for giving me this opportunity. And of course a big thanks to my teammates and great seniors like Tendulkar, Kumble, Srinath, Rahul Dravid, Laxman.”
By Indian Sports News Network
