While Harbhajan said he had learned from his mistakes, the Indian spinner has shown no sign of backing down in the four-Test series against Australia beginning Thursday.

"Obviously when I play for my country I go out there to win games, I'm not there to make friends," Harbhajan said in a Fox Sports interview to air this week.

"So you'll expect the same sort of fighting spirit. I am very passionate about my game and I get involved in the game. I want to do everything right and I want to win each and every game for my country. That's the way I am and that's never going to change."

The man known as Bhaji was the chief antagoniser during last summer's volatile series in Australia, marred by racial accusations and threats of boycotts.

Singh said India will not back down on home soil.

"We have a very good side and we are probably the only team that have given them a run for their money," he said. "Every time they play against us, they know we are tough, especially when we play in India. We are a totally different team."

Harbhajan unveils some vulnerability, opening up on the personal history that has moulded him into the world's most controversial cricketer. He talks about how his father's death, his admiration for former Australian skipper Steve Waugh and his Sikh religion have fueled the "fighter" within him.

"We all make mistakes," Harbhajan said. "With time you learn about life and things which you regret later on, I shouldn't have done that.

"But I'm not someone like a god. I'm human, people make mistakes. I must have made mistakes and I'm sure I've learned from my mistakes."

Harbhajan has taken more Test wickets against Australia than any other country, enjoying the bulk of his success on Indian pitches. He points to Australia's 2001 tour of India as the series that not only changed his cricket, but his life.

Before that series his father passed away and he was contemplating quitting cricket to support his five sisters. He then took 32 wickets in the three Tests against Australia.

"Luckily I made a comeback against the Australian team in 2001 and from there onwards, touch wood, things have been very good and God has been really kind. I think he was a great father and I miss him. I'm sure wherever he is, he will be happy watching me play for India."

Harbhajan explained how his Sikh religion had also shaped his character.

"Being a Sikh, to go through the Sikh history, they have been warriors," he said.

"The same sort of blood is flowing in my body. I'm a Sikh, so I don't like to lose. I'm a fighter and I'll fight to the end."

Harbhajan said he grew up admiring the warriors of world cricket, none more so than Waugh.

"I think he's a great, great, great fighter, the best fighter I've ever seen on the field."

Meanwhile, Victorian allrounder Cameron White has been summoned to India to replace the injured Bryce McGain.

White, a hard-hitting middle-order batsman, can also bowl leg-spin although he isn't a big turner of the ball.

The Victorian captain played in the one-day matches on the Australia A tour of India last month, and has been an irregular member of Australia's one-day international and Twenty20 squads.

White was selected ahead of NSW chinaman Beau Casson, who was overlooked, despite making his Test debut in the West Indies this year.

White was also on the 2004 tour of India, but didn't play a Test.

He is expected to join his Australian teammates in Bangalore tomorrow and is likely to figure in Test calculations because of the worrying form of Jason Krejza in the tour match against the Indian Board XI.

McGain will arrive home early this week to rest a sore shoulder which is likely to prevent him bowling for more than a month.

White's Victorian teammate Peter Siddle will have to wait for his famous baggy green cap, but at least he looked the part against the Indian Board XI.

Siddle and Krejza wore new caps designed for squad members yet to play a Test.

It was designed after Cricket Australia had been accused of "selling the baggy green" after players wore a blue beer sponsor's cap in the opening match of the West Indies tour this year.