Harbhajan: Getting snubbed by India hurts

Veteran India spinner Harbhajan Singh was disappointed at not being called up to the India ODI or Test squads to upcoming tours, saying his form in the IPL and such should have given him the advantage.

Veteran India spinner Harbhajan Singh was disappointed at not being called up to the India ODI or Test squads to upcoming tours, saying his form in the IPL and such should have given him the advantage.

Bhajji took 14 wicket in 14 games for the Mumbai Indians, and his economy rate was under seven, the third best of the spinners in the tournament. There were a few India spinners ahead of him on the wicket list, but he still felt he was a deserving candidate.

Harbhajan, who last played for India in March 2013, told PTI: "I do feel ignored and it's surely not a good feeling. Yes, it hurts when you are not selected for India.

"My performance in this year's IPL is for everyone to see. I can do what's there in my control. But let me assure you, I might get hurt by the snub but it would not stall my comeback bid.

"Among the Indian spinners, I believe that I bowled the best."

When asked if he'd chatted with selectors about his future or their plans for him, he denied that, adding that his performances should have been enough to speak for themselves.

He said: "What do you mean by specific plans for me? My job is to bowl and win matches for my team. I am doing that to the best of my abilities. Beyond that I don't need to think about anything. I still have age on my side. And I certainly believe that I will play for India.

"My assessment has been that I have been bowling well for last two domestic seasons. I have bowled with lot of authority and control. I varied the pace of my deliveries successfully.

"I flighted the ball and was slower through the air. In 14 IPL matches, there were 10 games where I went for less than 24 runs. There was only one match in which I went for more than 35 runs and that was against Rajasthan Royals.

"What satisfied me was that on most occasions, I was able to make the batsman play the ball where I wanted him to play. From grip to execution, it felt good. It reinstated my belief that I am good enough to play at this level for another five years."

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