Harbhajan finds support from veterans

Do Harbhajan Singh and Rajesh Chauhan chuck ? Or, is it the International Cricket Council ICC whose actions are suspect ? Deep within their hearts, the two Indian victims of that ICC letter-bomb believe the second question is more relevant. And, while both strive to get back to their feet, it is the younger Harbhajan who has shown the necessary poise and confidence to get back into the Indian team. Maybe, as early as this year-end New Zealandtour. Because, he seems to know what went wrong while Chauhan is yet to figure that out.

8220;Fred Titmus only told me to straighten my head at the time of delivery. And I am working on it at the nets and in the two matches in which I have played since my return from London,8221; says Harbhajan. He has already started working on it and has two five-wicket hauls in the two Ranji Trophy matches he played since that London trip to show for it.

Chauhan, unfortunately, is still groping in the dark. 8220;I don8217;t think there8217;s a problem8230; I haven8217;t changed my action8230; I guess, every off-spinner who goes for that extra bit of turn may have this problem8230; that depends on the way his palm goes.8221;

After being dropped from the Indian team midway through the Australian tour this summer, Chauhan is struggling in the Ranji circuit, even against teams like the Railways.

What about Harbhajan ? 8220;Initially, I was disappointed at learning the news of my being dropped on my bowling action. But now, I feel that there8217;s noneed to worry about anything as long as I am bowling well. I didn8217;t feel elated beyond a certain degree when I was selected for the India team in the first instance. And I don8217;t feel sad now when I am not a member of the national team. I may be only 19 but I can take these things in my stride. In fact, one has to take several ups and downs that happen in one8217;s life,8221; he says philosophically.

Harbhajan was today selected to tour New Zealand with the Indian team and is here in Mumbai as part of the Board President8217;s XI to play a three-day match against the visiting West Indies A side.

Another hardy comeback veteran, Navjot Singh Sidhu, has this to say: 8220;This chap Harbhajan is tough in his heart. He has stood the test8217; well and will surely come back with a bang. He has it in him.8221;Or ask Punjab skipper Vikram Rathore. 8220;He has taken things very well for a guy of his age. As captain of his side, I can sense a certain kind of confidence and maturity in him that will see him coming back to the side.8220;Ifyou recall the way he was suddenly thrust into the limelight when he was chosen for India8230; He handled the pressure very well then. Now, he showing that same kind of maturity in handling this crisis and am sure he is going to return soon.8221;

Harbhajan is candid enough to admit that he did ask around about Nikhil Chopra8217;s performances after he did well in Dhaka and Sharjah. 8220;I did make inquiries from my friends about Nikhil8217;s performance. But I am neither worried nor jealous of his recent performances. In fact, I am happy that he is doing well for the country. I would have done the same thing if I had been in his place,8221; is his reply.

8220;Mental toughness. That is the only way to a comeback,8221; the 31-year-old Chauhan said while in Delhi for a Ranji match. But as it looks now, it8217;s Harbhajan who is putting in into practice.