I have forgotten last IPL

The year 2008 was one Harbhajan would like to forget - first there were allegations of racism in Australia,and just as that was dying down...

The year 2008 was one Harbhajan would like to forget first there were allegations of racism in Australia,and just as that was dying down,came the moment of madness when he slapped India team mate Sreesanth during an Indian Premier League clash. There was a slump in form as well,with critics saying he was bowling too fast through the air and relying too much on the doosra.

The year 2009 has been very different,though. The responsibility of being Indias premier spinner following Anil Kumbles retirement has sat lightly on the off-spinners slender shoulders and with his performances in New Zealand he has also answered questions surrounding his effectiveness in unfavourable conditions.

In a chat with The Indian Express from his home in Jalandhar,Harbhajan spoke about the New Zealand tour and the upcoming IPL,which he is keen to make an impact in after missing a large chunk of last seasons edition. Excerpts:

The New Zealand tour was being billed as a litmus test for the Indians. Would you say everything went to a plan?

amp;149; Losing the T20 games was a setback,but if you see how we played after that,obviously we dominated. Winning the ODIs 4-1 and the Test series was a result of proper planning and execution by the team.

Do you regret the fact that India could not win the Test series 2-0? Do you feel the declaration came a little late?

amp;149; If we had returned with a 2-0 series win it would have been the icing on the cake. But in my opinion it was the weather that played spoilsport. I dont think the result of the match had anything to do with declaration,we would still have won the Test if Daniel Vettori had been adjudged LBW off me,or if Ishant Sharma had held on to that catch off Sachin Tendulkars bowling.

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How about your own bowling and batting? You seem to be enjoying yourself of late.

amp;149; Sixteen wickets in the Tests on pitches that werent conducive to spin bowling are a reflection of how well I bowled. I couldnt have hoped for a better result. As for my batting,I have been taking it quite seriously lately. I have worked very hard and I like to bat in the nets before a game. So it was quite satisfying as long as my runs were helping the team win. I still want to work on my batting and improve further hopefully get a Test century.

What will make you happier: A 10-wicket Test haul or a Test hundred?

amp;149; I would love to achieve both things in the same Test. I would like to be a good all-rounder who can pick up wickets at crucial junctures and slog a bit batting down the order.

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You have mentioned Sachin Tendulkars influence on your batting. In what way does he help?

amp;149; Someone like Sachin Tendulkar has been a role model for many players. He is my hero too. It is great to have people like Sachin and Anil bhai in your team and their presence in the team over the years has really helped me grow as a cricketer.

After missing out on most of the inaugural IPL matches due to the ban,what will be your approach to the second edition in South Africa?

amp;149; I have forgotten what happened in the last IPL. I believe I have grown as a human being and moved ahead. Leading the Mumbai Indians,even for a bit,last season was quite an enriching experience for me. It was an honour,even though we didnt win any matches when I was captain. Now,I am really looking forward to contribute towards the team in South Africa.