I will strive hard to bounce back: Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh says he would make every bit of effort in the next few months to make a comeback into the national side.

Chandigarh: Shocked at constantly being ignored by the selectors, off-spinner Harbhajan Singh on Thursday said he would make every bit of effort in the next few months to make a comeback into the national side.

"I will strive hard in the next 2-3 months and do every bit to bounce back into the national squad," he told reporters here. "Lot of things are going to happen in the next 2 to 3 months," said Harbhajan, adding that there was lot of cricket left in him. Despite performing well at the Indian Premier League this year, Harbhajan remains out of favour as he was ignored for Champions Trophy, followed by the Tri-series in West Indies and the upcoming Zimbabwe tour. "If IPL is a platform to return back in the national squad I did very well. I took 24 wickets and Mumbai Indians were champions," he said, adding that "now it is for the selectors to take a final call on me". After IPL, Harbhajan has got little opportunity of a good bowling stint due to rainy season. He, however, said that "I am ready to play cricket whenever I get a chance" and is looking forward to play the Champions League.” "It has not brought down my motivation...Cricket is everything for me. There is lot of cricket left in me...Say at least five years. I have the passion to play the game," Harbhajan insisted. Stating that he was happy with the way things are shaping up for him, Harbhajan said, "There are ups and downs in everyone's life. I have played lot for the country without injury and won games." Though dejected at not being picked for the Zimbabwe tour, Harbhajan stressed "this is not the end of life". "I will play all types of cricket, including domestic to make a comeback. I would like to be back in the next series itself," he said. The spinner also shot back at his critics, saying, "Those who have played just a couple of matches should avoid commenting on those who played over 100 matches." On the current Indian team's performance and the bench strength, he said, "This team is doing well, which is a great sign. Players have taken up responsibilities very well." However, Harbhajan issued a warning to the youngsters, stating: "One should be on his toes all the time. Whenever you get a chance just grab it. But cricket is such a game that it changes every third day." Harbhajan had recently made a mark on screen recording a song in the album 'Meri Maa'. Asked about the song, he said, "Each word is connected to me. It does not matter how I sang the song, but its wording are close to my heart." He, however, ruled out bringing out any album in near future. Harbhajan is not deterred by the tragedy in Uttarakhand, where he too was among the lucky survivors. "I will go to Hemkunt Sahib next year to pay obeisance." On the Uttarakhand tragedy, Harbhajan said, "It was a sad experience. I was lucky to survive. Its very difficult for me to explain the experience." PTI