'It depends on my body' - Harbhajan Singh on retirement after IPL 2020

India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh hasn’t played for India since 2016. But he has continued to feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has been one of the consistent performers in the tournament. After playing for the Mumbai Indians (MI) all these years, he was picked by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2018 and the offie has lived up to the reputation under MS Dhoni as well.

But one can say he is also sailing in the same boat as of his CSK skipper in terms of international retirement. Harbhajan Singh turned 40 earlier this month and even though he is fit and going strong, he will need to take a call at some point going forward. When asked about the same, the 40-year-old said that it depends on how his body responds after this year’s IPL.

He also didn’t forget to state he is feeling refreshed after a long break from the game due to the lockdown and has been consistently working out, doing Yoga sessions and rest during this period. “I can’t say whether this will be my last IPL. It depends on my body. After four months of workout, rest, yoga sessions, I feel reinvigorated just like 2013, when I had 24 wickets in that IPL edition,” Harbhajan was quoted as saying by Times Now.

If it’s about skills, I am still ready to compete, says Harbhajan Singh

Rather Harbhajan Singh is even confident of competing with the younger players of his category to prove himself. He cited that he has played a lot for India at the international level and has been an achiever over the years. “If you still want to test me by pitting me for a battle of skills against those youngsters you consider best in the business, please bring it on.

“But yes, I have been on the field wearing those India colours for at least 800 days (playing time). I have been an achiever who doesn’t need anyone’s sympathy. But yes, if it’s about skills, bring the best in India and I am still ready,” the off-spinner added. As far as the IPL is concerned, the 2020 edition is expected to take place during the September-November window in the UAE even as BCCI hasn’t announced anything officially yet.