Indian cricket has witnessed many a transformation since the inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL),but one has been pleasantly significant,if somewhat inconspicuous: Harbhajan Singh still hogs the limelight,but not for the wrong reasons anymore. Back from New Zealand,the off-spinner addressed a media session and happily fielded questions related to a tour where he picked 16 wickets and helped India clinch a memorable series win. However,with the focus shifting to the IPL in South Africa,it was just a matter of time before someone slipped in a query on S Sreesanth and the slapping row. Harbhajan,who earned an 11-match ban after the unsavory incident,handled it tactfully. I am disappointed that Sreesanth is injured, replied the Mumbai Indians player calmly. I wish him all the best. I hope he recovers soon and starts playing domestic cricket,does well in domestic cricket and gets back into the national side. He is a very talented bowler. The only time the off-spinner appeared somewhat animated was when he was reminded that critics had doubted his ability to take wickets on New Zealand tracks. I dont play for those who criticise me, he snapped. My job is to play for my country and I know what is important. I try and bowl well and to deliver what my team requires from me. There will always be those who keep on saying that I perform only in India and not overseas. Its no joke that I have 330 Test wickets to my name. And its not the first time that I have picked wickets abroad. I have done it in Sri Lanka,in South Africa,and in the West Indies before the New Zealand tour. I dont need to prove myself to anyone. He does prove the naysayers wrong,though,every time fingers are pointed at him. Lately,Harbhajan has been developing into a fine all-rounder,with his contributions not limited to just bowling. I am happy that I came good in New Zealand. More so because it has contributed to the teams victory, said Harbhajan. Aiming Test hundred Harbhajan,who got a half century in the third Test in Wellington,now aims at getting a Test hundred. I am sure one day I will get my hundred. I would like to spend time with Sachin (Tendulkar),who has got so many centuries,and probably he can advise me to slow down or what I need to do to get from 60 to 100, said Harbhajan,who along with Zaheer Khan has helped the Indian tail wag more often than not these days. The Harbhajan-Zaheer Khan chemistry will also be on display in the IPL season 2,with the left-arm pacer joining the Mumbai Indians this season. We both have been playing consistently throughout the last season and I will try and keep it going in the time to come. I have always enjoyed bowling with him, he said.
