The young Indian spinner, Rahul Sharma, is excited to have been picked for team India’s first Test match against West Indies, but claims that he will miss his state fellow and legendary bowler, Harbhajan Singh, who has not been mandated.
Sharma is of the view that every Punjab-born cricketer considers Bhajji as his hero in lieu of his heroics in both International and domestic cricket.
Talking to the media today, the emerging spinner said, “I am really excited to be in the Test squad, but will definitely miss Bhajji. Every cricketer in Punjab idolises Harbhajan and I am no different.”
Harbhajan, who pulled out of the Blue Shirts’ last English tour due to abdominal injury, has been out of the scene since the last couple of months. He was vehemently overlooked by the national selectors for the recently-concluded home series against England despite the fact that the spin master excellently led the Mumbai Indians to claim their maiden Champions League T20 title.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to launch Sharma at the International stage to fill Bhajji's boots.
Sharma had been outstanding in the last edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Representing Pune Warriors, he personated impressive bowling. Moreover, the youngster has spent a lot of time in the National Cricket Academy (NCA), learning professional skills under the supervision of legends like Anil Kumble.
Paying a hearty tribute to the former legend, Shamra told, “Few years in NCA helped me get a taste of top class cricket and tips from Anilbhai (Kumble) were something I gained there. Anilbhai is a role model for every young spinner in the country. He taught me a lot of things for which I will remain obliged to him forever.”
Sharma hopes to capitalise on the opportunity and come up to the expectations of the selectors by delivering his utmost in his maiden Test, scheduled to start from November 6, 2011.
The 24-year-old has 10 First-Class, 13 List A and 28 T20 matches to his name.
Sharma is of the view that every Punjab-born cricketer considers Bhajji as his hero in lieu of his heroics in both International and domestic cricket.
Talking to the media today, the emerging spinner said, “I am really excited to be in the Test squad, but will definitely miss Bhajji. Every cricketer in Punjab idolises Harbhajan and I am no different.”
Harbhajan, who pulled out of the Blue Shirts’ last English tour due to abdominal injury, has been out of the scene since the last couple of months. He was vehemently overlooked by the national selectors for the recently-concluded home series against England despite the fact that the spin master excellently led the Mumbai Indians to claim their maiden Champions League T20 title.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to launch Sharma at the International stage to fill Bhajji's boots.
Sharma had been outstanding in the last edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Representing Pune Warriors, he personated impressive bowling. Moreover, the youngster has spent a lot of time in the National Cricket Academy (NCA), learning professional skills under the supervision of legends like Anil Kumble.
Paying a hearty tribute to the former legend, Shamra told, “Few years in NCA helped me get a taste of top class cricket and tips from Anilbhai (Kumble) were something I gained there. Anilbhai is a role model for every young spinner in the country. He taught me a lot of things for which I will remain obliged to him forever.”
Sharma hopes to capitalise on the opportunity and come up to the expectations of the selectors by delivering his utmost in his maiden Test, scheduled to start from November 6, 2011.
The 24-year-old has 10 First-Class, 13 List A and 28 T20 matches to his name.
