Harvir Singh Baidwan is home,having travelled across countries like Dubai,Canada,Bangladesh,Sri Lanka before finally coming to India. The Canada bowler,with 13 wickets in the World Cup against his name,had been living a dream over the last month or so but it was only when he stepped into Chandigarh that he could finally realise what he had achieved. The 23-year-old,originally from Raipur Kalan village near Chandigarh who migrated to Canada with his family in 2004,dropped by to meet friends and relatives. Speaking to Newsline,Baidwan said,It is so nice to be with my friends and family in Chandigarh after the World Cup. Moreover,my parents will soon be flying from Canada to Chandigarh to join us. I have had some amazing moments in the World Cup. Wearing the Canadian jersey in the tournament was like a dream come true. I have been telling my cousins about my World Cup stories since I have landed in Chandigarh. I am going to relish Punjabs weather,food and warmth in the coming days before I get back to Canada. There has been a rise in Harvirs popularity post the World Cup. His friends list on Facebook has increased from few to very large. The World Cup stint has changed me as a cricketer. Playing against teams like Pakistan,New Zealand,Sri Lanka makes you work harder and learn a lot from them. We might have not turned the tables around during the competition but I am sure we will make progress as a team after playing in such a prestigious tournament. We could have shocked everyone by beating Pakistan but sadly we could not clinch the match in the end. Players like Hiral Patel,Jimmy Hansra and Rizwan Cheema have done well for Canada in the tournament. For him,the most memorable moment came against the Sri Lankans when he got Angelo Mathews out caught and bowled. We were having a word or two during the match,it was friendly banter though. but it was because of this that I got him out; I enjoyed getting a batsman out like that, said Harvir. Other than meeting old friends and relatives,Harvir has chalked out a plan for himself in the coming days. He is going to get back to his former coach Arun Rai at Desh Prem Azad Cricket Academy at St Stephens School,Sector 45,and train hard at the nets. Whenever I am in Chandigarh,I make it a point to go to Arun Sir and bowl in front of him in the nets. Nostalgia grips me when I am bowling in my Academy at Chandigarh. Till now,he has played in 25 ODIs and taken 37 wickets for Canada. Apart from this,Harvir is hoping to see India lock horns with Pakistan in the semi-final match at Mohali on March 30. It will be a clash of the titans if both Pakistan and India qualify for the semis and fight for a berth in the final. I will be rooting for India from the stands. And why not? He may be wearing the Maple Leaf jersey for Canada,Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani.
