I've not given up hope of making World Cup return: Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh has done well for Punjab in domestic cricket recently

Discarded Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has said that he is pleased with his displays in the recently concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he led Punjab to the final, and is eyeing a return to the Indian team for the 2015 ICC World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

"I am targeting the World Cup. It would be great to be a part of the team in Australia and New Zealand. For a player, World Cup is a big tournament and I am keeping my hopes alive," Harbhajan said.

"Everyday I wake up, I stay positive and think that I am going to be part of the team. I am motivating myself to do well for India again. And of course I am looking forward to play all the games, make sure I perform well and get back into the Indian side," he added.

Harbhajan, who was an integral member of India’s World Cup winning campaign in 2011, also said that he was proud of his Punjab team-mates for the performances they’ve put in, despite the fact that they lost the final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy to Karnataka by a whopping margin of 156 runs.

"I am really happy with my bowling efforts, happy that I led the team to the Vijay Hazare finals. I am proud of my Punjab boys that they performed well. A bit unfortunate that we could not lift the trophy, just had a bad day in office. We should make sure that we come better prepared and we do even better to lift the trophy.

"We should just continue the hard work, the results will follow. If not today then tomorrow," he remarked.

Important to stay positive Down Under: Harbhajan

India are currently in Australia preparing for a 4-match Test series against the No.2 ranked side in the world, and Harbhajan, who has had plenty of experience of playing Down Under, stressed on the importance of being positive in Australia.

"The best way to play in Australia is to stay positive. People are saying that it's their weakest side. I know it's not the same side as it was 10 or 5 years back, when we last played them,” the 34-year-old concluded.