Debasis Sen, London: As Virat Kohli and his team were battling it out against England at Edgbaston, one man was equally enjoying his stint at the commentary box. Harbhajan Singh is making his debut in commentary box during the ensuing series and hinted this could be his career option going forward. In an exclusive chat with Xtra Time, the turbanator shared his new experience, enjoying the popularity among the fans here, his thoughts on the series ahead, changes he would like to see in the playing XI at Lords and more. Here are the excerpts:
The result at Edgbaston:
The result at Edgbaston will be there in everyone’s mind for a long time because I felt India had a great chance to start the series on a winning note. I think we didn’t play well enough. Our batsmen did not take the responsibilities apart from Virat Kohli. None of them looked comfortable and willing to put up a fight. It was one of those where we all got disappointed with the result. But it is the start of a long series and you have to put that behind you and move forward. At the same time it will not be easy unless you work really hard. You really have to change the intent you play the game.
Self belief:
This is something that the team management needs to address – what is the workload and needs to be done. Obviously they (team management) are the best person to know what is best for the team. They need to have the self belief that this was the same team that has done so well in home conditions. There is no need to press the panic button. I am confident the team will come out successful at Lords
Team selection for Lords:
I would love to see Cheteshwar Pujara coming back in the team. If the condition stays like this (hot and dry summer) then the team management should also look at getting Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI. It will suit India more than England.
England always my favourite destination:
England has always been one of my favourite destinations and off course I come here every year now. My in-laws live here and I love this country. There is a lot more freedom here compared to India as I can roam freely with my family everywhere. There are so many food joints which I like. To tell you the truth I actually wait for any single opportunity to come to this country.
What I like most about the fans here is they really enjoy watching cricket and the cricketers. They do not disturb the cricketers when they meet them anywhere else away from the ground. They don’t get into the life and space of the cricketers.
New role:
This is a new journey for me away from the cricket field. I am working for Sky with some of the legends of the game – the likes of Nasser Hussain, David Gower, Mike Artherton, Michael Holding and others. You get to learn a lot from such great personalities, not just about commentary but about the game as well. I heard some fascinating stories about them how they dominated during their time.
There is hardly any banter in the commentary box as there is some serious discussion on cricket. Bumble (David Lloyd) is one of them who have a great sense of humour. He keeps coming up with small little one liner here and there. As I said it is a great learning for me. Going forward this could be my profession , you never know (laughs).