Yuvraj, Harbhajan hopes to bring back Cup glory to India

Port of Spain, Mar 15 (UNI) Punjab duo of Yuvraj Singh Singh and Harbhajan Singh today expressed hope that they will have a major role in India's bid to regain the Cricket World Cup glory.

''We are determined to see our team (Country) regain its glory and Cup,'' they told mediapersons here.

For both, this is their second successive World Cup, having been part of the 2003 Runners-up side. That time they were young and bit inexperienced but this time round the two are key factors in Indian team's game plan.

''We were youngsters then. We are a lot more matured now.

Obviously, our roles and responsibilities have changed a lot since then,'' Harbhajan said.

''Now, we have to put our hands up and say I'll do it for the team. There is a lot more in terms of responsibility for us now.

It's an important time for all of us,'' Yuvraj added.

Last time ''responsibility'' and ''maturity'' did not figure very high on the list of priorities for the two flamboyant characters. But both now have have grown as players and individuals.

''I always back myself in difficult situations. I tell myself, I like the challenge,''opined Yuvraj.

''Wickets here indicate that high scores during this World Cup will not be a very frequent happening. In such a scenario, the role of a finisher obviously becomes critical and I am backing myself, practicing as best as I can to do the job for my team,'' says the prolific left-hander.

And for the 'turbanator' it is immaterial where and when he is called upon to bowl. ''You cannot say there is going to be a bigger role for the spinners here. All bowlers have a role to play, everyone has to chip in. Whether we play one or two spinners, I will have to bowl well, bowl according to the needs of the team.

''I am ready for any role, to bowl in the first over if the captain asks or in the last. I will give it my best shot and try and win matches for my country. I have been working very hard on my fitness. We had two good practice matches in Montego Bay and we are all fit and keen for the tournament to start,'' said Bhajji.

The break in Jamaica has been a boon, says Yuvraj. ''While we were there, we went snorkeling, swimming, for boat ride, sailing.

It was a great experience and has helped towards building a very strong team spirit. Also, I have recovered fully from the knee injury, both mentally and physically. I am just waiting for our first game.'' They, however refused to downplay the Group B opposition that includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bermuda. ''Whoever it is we have to play while we are here, we will need time to get used to the conditions. We have all worked on different things in practice, things we did not have time to do earlier as we were constantly playing cricket. We are as ready as we can be,'' Yuvraj adds.

''As a group, we have prepared hard and well. We are ready for all eventualities and our tour here last year gave us an insight into what the conditions and pitches will be like,'' Harbhajan explainedd.

UNI