Cricketer Harbhajan Singh at a promotional in Bhubaneswar on Friday. Picture by Sanjib Mukherjee

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 26: Captain of Mumbai Indians Harbhajan Singh was brimming with hope and optimism despite his team being knocked out of the Champion’s League T20.

The ace Indian spinner was here on Friday for a private event.

“Our team did not have a good time in South Africa, but then winning and losing are part and parcel of the game. Right now, I am here to meet friends and go sightseeing in this beautiful city of Bhubaneswar. I do not want to ponder on lost matches,” said Bhajji with a smile.

Winning over everyone with his warm attitude and humble ways, the Turbanator appeared excited about his trip in the city.

“Bhubaneswar is a lovely city. I love the greenery and well-made roads as well as the designs of houses here. The traffic is also visibly less, unlike in bigger cities I have been to. In fact, coming from a small city myself, I like being here and going around the place, especially for the tranquil setting in most areas. Just like Jalandhar or Chandigarh, Bhubaneswar has its own charm,” said Harbhajan.

He also expressed his love for the culture of Odisha.

“I have frequently visited the state and love its dance and craft forms as well as the food. I always make sure that I collect terracotta articles whenever I am here, because they make them beautifully here,” said the cricketer, who is a brand ambassador for a local real estate firm.

Asked if he was hopeful of returning to the Indian Test team, he jovially declared: “Harbhajan is always hopeful! In sports and in life.”

Dressed in smart casuals and sporting a smile all the time, the cricketer also gifted his cricketing jerseys to his fans and friends here.

Harbhajan was bombarded with questions regarding speculations about Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement. He cleverly handled these questions.

“He is a maestro and has been a number one player always. He always knows what to do and when. We should let him make the decision as and when he thinks right,” he said of Sachin.

After sightseeing on Friday, the cricketer will leave on Saturday morning.