Harbhajan Singh is still playing, because ‘he can’ and ‘he will’, quoted by the veteran spinner when he was questioned by the people as to why is he willing to continue playing after crossing 40.
One of the greatest spinner, Harbhajan Singh, is back on the field of IPL 2021 with Kolkata Knight Riders after skipping the last year with MS Dhoni led- CSK in the UAE. As quoted by the cricketer, he wants to now ‘enjoy every moment of whatever cricket is left’ in him.
“Lot’s of people think why is he playing, but that’s your opinion. From where I see myself, I want to play and I will play,” Harbhajan told PTI in an interview.
“I have got nothing to prove to anyone. My intention is to play well, enjoy my stint out there in the middle and playing cricket still gives me that satisfaction.”
“I have set a standard for myself and if I don’t meet that, I don’t need anyone else but I will blame myself. I need to ask myself, did I put in the optimum effort that was required,” he further said before moving into the team bubble.
The veteran spinner made an effort to point out his thoughts about how he approaches the game in his 23rd professional season.
“Yes, I am not a 20-year-old anymore and won’t be training like I did then. I know I am fit and will certainly do what is required to succeed at this level. The expectation is still going to be there and the responsibilities that were there when I was playing for India remains.
As this is his first bubble-experience, Singh did not hide his apprehensions as to why he didn’t go to the UAE last year.
“Last year when IPL happened, COVID-19 in India was at it’s peak. I was concerned about my family and also about hard quarantine in India after coming back. But this year, it’s happening in India ad also we have now got used to new normal.”
“Vaccines have come. Also it’s my family which pushed. My wife (Geeta) told me that I should go and play,” Harbhajan Singh, who is probably set to a father of their second child in July, said.
Harbhajan Singh, the owner of the 700-plus international wickets, is at a stage of his career where he needs to do a self assessment after every season.
