Taus Rizvi l CHANDIGARH
When India meet England in the third ODI here on Thursday, a certain Harbhajan Singh won’t be seen. Punjab’s famous son won’t feature in an ODI at home for the first time since 2002.
Obviously, people here are finding it difficult to come to terms with the fact that the ‘Turbanator’ is missing. However, they believe he is a fighter. They say this snub will only make him stronger.
“It’s strange that Bhajji is not there when India are playing in Punjab. This will be the first time in a decade that he won’t be playing an ODI in Punjab,” said Davinder Arora, who took Harbhajan under his wings after the offie’s first coach, Charanjit Singh Bhullar, passed away.
The way Harbhajan led his teams — Mumbai Indians and India Green — to victory in the CLT20 and Challengers, respectively, showed that he’s on the right track, Arora said. “His performances prove that he’s fighting his way back. His performance has been amazing. Bhajji’s always performs well under pressure,” Arora added.
Once, a young Harbhajan had failed to get into the team despite his good performances. Arora recalled that the offie took 15 wickets in an inter-district match to earn a place in the state team. “That is what sets him apart. He is a fighter and I am sure he will be back soon.” Another protege’s — leg-spinner Rahul Sharma — selection has made Arora happy. “I want to see them bowl in tandem,” he said.
