Harbhajan Singh is ready and raring to go. The 24-year- old, who withdrew from the Australian tour after a finger injury and subsequently missed the entire Pakistan series, has been picked along with Anil Kumble as the two spinners in the squad to the Asia Cup.

In an exclusive interview, Bajji spoke of his fitness and about his feelings when he had to return from Australia due to his injury. But he has put all that behind him and is now looking forward to the future. “I feel as if I am on my debut. I am keen and have the enthusiasm of a fresher,” he says.

Excerpts from the interview.

How fit are you?

I am fully fit now. My finger has healed completely. There is no discomfort and the recovery process has gone down well. Now I have to work out myself in matches. But I can surely say there is no pain.

How difficult was the recovery phase and how difficult was the fact that you were sitting out while your mates were creating history in Pakistan?

Obviously, I would have wanted to be part of history and the team. Seeing the team win in Pakistan was great. I was happy for them. As for my absence from the team, I would say, it was a cruel play of fate. But all through the injury period, I did not lose hope or my focus. I was constantly in touch with the doctors and Andrew Leipus (the team physiotherapist). I kept my spirits up and that helped matters a lot.

There were some stories about your injury, that you carried it into some series?

Well, you can not stop people from talking. Honestly, I have never hidden my injury just to get into the team. My finger had been giving me trouble ever since the World Cup. After consultations, the surgery was postponed (in July last). But in Australia, things became impossible and I had to get myself operated upon. It is just as simple as this.

What was it like when you came back from Australia?

It was the lowest point of my career so far. I was really itching to have a go at them (Aussies). There was also the lurking fear that the injury could be career-threatening. But I have lot of faith in god, and my faith has paid off. I also had the examples of (Dennis) Lillie, (Shane) Warne and (Anil) Kumble before me who all bravely came back from major injuries. My teammates, like Sourav, Sachin, Rahul, were also encouraging and their words of encouragement helped me to keep my chin up.

Before your injury lay-off, your bowling missed the bite. Was it because of the finger?

I don’t know. A bowler can’t be at the top of his faculties always. My grip and release was okay. The power and the turn might have been missing. Injury could have been one of the reasons. There is also the mental aspect.

How have you been working all these days?

Once the cast was off and the healing period was over, I started practising, and also strengthening the finger. But these days I am not taking any chances.

How are you looking at the season?

It is very important for me. I feel as if I am on my debut. I can feel the same keenness and enthusiasm in me. I will give it my best and prove myself. - CNFS