Harbhajan Singh loves challenges and is ready to shoulder more responsibility this season, says Mobile ESPN's Rohan Narayan.

Witty, jovial and straight-from-the-heart. Expressions that describe maverick Indian off-spinner, Harbhajan Singh. Monday afternoon, the Turbantor showed one more facet of his persona – diplomacy. For the first time in 11 years, surely, a new-found aspect, under the circumstances.

While one saw a free-wheeling Sardar speaking on a range of “cricketing” questions, Harbhajan was “diplomatically” quiet when it came to Virender Sehwag’s “war” with an apparently shady Delhi District Cricket Association and the World Anti-Doping Agency’s policy against cricketers.

While unveiling the Compaq Cup, to be given to the winners of the upcoming ODI tri-series in Sri Lanka, Harbhajan was tight-lipped when asked to comment on whether it was right for Sehwag to question DDCA bosses on the ethics of team selection.

Just the way he would swat good-length deliveries to the mid-wicket fence, Harbhajan said: “Ask Sehwag about it. How would I know what is going on in Delhi cricket? I am not following Delhi cricket.”

The 77-Test and 189 ODI veteran was happier talking about the upcoming season that begins with a tri-series in Sri Lanka. “We have a talented side and I am confident of a good show. Form is on our side and I see no reason why we can’t succeed,” said Harbhajan, who would lead the Indian bowling attack, sans an injured Zaheer Khan.

India would be banking on Harbhajan to deliver the goods in Sri Lanka and during the Champions Trophy in South Africa. A responsibility Harbhajan is not shying away from.

“There will be a lot of pressure on me as I am the most experienced bowler in the team. But I love responsibilities and there is nothing better to perform well when there is pressure on you. My job will be to motivate other bowlers and take out the best in them,” Harbhajan said.

With bowlers like Ishant and RP Singh struggling in West Indies during India’s last tour, Harbhajan knows it will be important for them to get back to form as early as possible.

“A good performance in the tri-series will help us a great deal in performing in the Champions Trophy. Our bowlers have to put up their best in Sri Lanka and perform, keeping in mind the Champions Trophy,” Harbhajan stated, who will have leggie Amit Mishra as his spinning partner.

Mishra, who replaced Pragyan Ojha in the squad, has not played one-day cricket since 2003. But Harbhajan is not taking that as something negative. “Amit is an experienced bowler which will help us in the tri-series. His performances in Tests have been impressive and I am sure he will give me good company in the upcoming tournaments.”

In the batting department, India will be without an injured Sehwag, but the return of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid will take care of everything, says Harbhajan.

“No doubt we will miss Sehwag a lot, especially at the top of the order. But with the likes of Sachin and Rahul returning to the ODI fold, things can only get better from here,” he said.

Known for his aggression against the Aussies, Harbhajan said Australia missed quality bowlers “who could take 20 wickets to win a Test match.” Saying he was too busy constructing his house in Jalandhar, Bhajji said: “It's great to see other teams dominating Australia. England clearly played better and deserved to win (the Ashes). Australia still don’t have bowlers to replace greats like Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.”