Mumbai, Nov 3: With over 400 Test wickets to his name, there’s little for Harbhajan Singh to prove when it comes to his talent and determination. Years after he made his mark as an off-spinner, he’s begun to impress in the role of captain. After leading the Mumbai Indians to IPL victory, he even took his side through in the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy. At the helm of Punjab this Ranji season, the spirited cricketer is looking to drive his young team forward towards a collective goal.

In an exclusive chat with bcci.tv, Harbhajan Singh shares his thoughts on the premier domestic competition, his favourite Ranji memories and his approach as captain.

You’ll be returning to domestic cricket this season. Have you set any objectives for yourself ahead of the Ranji Trophy?

Whenever I play a match I do set myself a target. In this year’s Ranji Trophy I just want to go out and play as well as I can and do every possible thing to ensure my team’s victory.

What was the reaction of the Punjab boys when they heard about your comeback to the Ranji side?

The team is very happy and excited to have me by their side after such a long time. They’re all looking forward to it and so am I.

Of late you’ve had tremendous success as a captain – with the Mumbai Indians and then in the NKP Salve Trophy. Your thoughts ahead of leading Punjab in the Ranji Trophy?

So far things have gone well for me as captain and all I can say is that I’m looking forward to the Ranji season. We begin the tournament on November 3 with a game against Uttar Pradesh and we’ll look to start off well.

Are you enjoying your new role as captain?

I’ve always enjoyed challenges and captaincy is nothing but an add-on to the various challenges you face as a cricketer. You have to take 10 more guys along with you on the field, guide them and lead them. All I try to do as a captain is carry all the boys along and make each one of them feels like an important part of the team. I try to ensure the whole team is on the same page and is working towards a collective goal.

What importance does the Ranji Trophy hold for an aspiring young cricketer?

Ranji Trophy is very, very important in any Indian cricketer’s career because it is the gateway to the national team. When I got into the Punjab Ranji side as a 16-17-year-old, I saw the likes of Navjot Singh Sidhu, Vikram Rathore and Ashish Kapoor, who were all senior players. It was very special for me to be a part of the team and play with these players. When a youngster makes it into a Ranji side, he knows his performances will be noticed and doing consistently well at this stage will earn him an India cap. Ranji Trophy is the first step to fulfilling the India dream.

How would you rate Punjab’s chances in the current season?

I don’t want to put my finger on any number as to [our chances] of winning. All I can say is that we have a very good team, a young side that is very excited and keen. They have done well at different levels of cricket they’ve played thus far and are a happy bunch of players. Hopefully, we’ll all do well this season.

What’s your most memorable Ranji moment?

I still remember my first Ranji season, in 1997-98. I remember we were playing against Delhi and I got Raman Lamba and Ajay Sharma out. They were very already established names in India’s cricketing circuit and getting them both out was very satisfying for a rookie like me.