Worked hard on my fitness, want to be at par with the youngsters: Harbhajan

VETERAN SPINNER Harbhajan Singh has been on India's bench for a long time now, but the turbanator is working hard to keep his fitness at par with the youngsters in the team.

As reported by PTI Harbhajan said, 

"It's lot up to you how do you manage. I've worked hard on my fitness which gets me going. If I compete with a 25-year-old, I've to be on the same level. I've the skill, will also should be there." 

The Punjab spinner, whose former teammates have gone on to do commentary, says he gets maximum satisfaction in playing the game.

"Friends (former teammates) are into other things like commentary, but it's an individual choice. Playing gives me that pleasure. Till the time I can play, I must play -- be it 40 or 50. I just love playing. I don't know other than that. Biggest gain is satisfaction. I've played with full passion. I've been very satisfied.” 

At 35, most bowlers are at the end of their careers, but it doesn't seem to be the case with Harbhajan as he is fit and raring to go, sharing his knowledge with the youngsters along the way.

"It's important to share your knowledge or else you have not done anything. Not just on the field but off the field as well." 

Over the past few years, Harbhajan has lost a bit of zip, including the extra bounce that he used to get off the wicket. After being benched for the most part of the tournament, Harbhajan finally got a chance in the playing XI against UAE in the Asia Cup, where he returned with figures of 1/11 in his allotted four overs.