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A tough but wise decision by Harbhajan
I am extremely pleased that Harbhajan Singh has decided to stay away from county cricket this season. He has plenty of years ahead of him for India and risking further damage to his bowling finger would have been very unwise.
It may have been a difficult decision for him, but at the end of the day, he has arrived at the correct one.
He has been given the right advice by some senior members of the Indian team too.
County cricket might appear to be glamorous for young cricketers, but, if they happen to be regular members of their respective National sides, there is not much new they can learn from it.
Gone are the days when the standard in county cricket used to be high. The quality was good in the 70s and the early 80s, but dropped in subsequent years. This is reflected in a mediocre England side.
Withstanding pain and competing in the World Cup is understandable, but I am surprised that Harbhajan did not opt out of the three-nation tournament in Dhaka, where India fielded so many young players.
With the country going through a crisis in spin at the moment, Harbhajan is too precious a bowler to be lost. I hope he uses the period of rest to recover completely from the injury, especially since India has a long, challenging season ahead, including the demanding campaign in Australia.
Considering Harbhajan's series winning performance at home against Australia in 2001, and the Australians' traditional weakness against off-spin, he is absolutely vital in the Indian scheme of things.
With the nature of the surfaces and the often damp and cold weather not working to the advantage of finger spinners, Harbhajan would have certainly aggravated the injury.
In any case, with so much international cricket being played these days, taking part in county cricket makes little sense, at least as far as the Indians are concerned.
Earlier, the season would commence around October and end during March, and the Indian cricketers, if they were not touring England, would have six solid months of break. County cricket was a welcome option then.
Not now, when there is hardly any rest for players, and when their minds and bodies are tired. County cricket, where you have to play day in and day out, can hardly be recommended. The money might be good, but the Indian cricketers are already earning so much from international cricket.
Life is hard in county cricket and the travelling can often be cumbersome and draining. The players are given a house and a car, and have to do the travelling themselves.
Harbhajan Singh has not shied away from taking a tough decision. I hope he is fresh and raring to go when he has the ball in his hand for India next time.
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