Harbhajan Singh Retirement: India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh announced retirement from all forms of cricket on Friday. Harbhajan enjoys an illustrious career span by scalping 417 wickets in 103 tests, 269 wickets in 236 ODIs, and 25 scalps in 28 T20Is.
“All good things come to an end today as I bid adieu to the game that has given me everything in life, I would like to thank everyone who made this 23-year long journey beautiful & memorable. My heartfelt thank you Grateful”, Harbhajan Singh tweeted on Friday.
“From the narrow lanes of Jalandhar to becoming the Turbanator of Team India, it has been a beautiful journey of the past 25 years,” he said.
“Like all cricketers, I too wanted to bid adieu in Indian jersey but fate had something else in store for me,” he said in a youtube video posted alongside his tweet.
“…there comes a time when you have to take some tough decisions and have to move on in life. Mentally I had retired long back but couldn’t announce it. I haven’t been active in cricket,” he added in his statement.
Harbhajan Singh Retirement: The Turbanator’s Career Highlights
Harbhajan also left a lasting impression in IPL by displaying an astounding performance with the ball. He became the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the history of IPL by scalping 150 wickets in 163 IPL matches he has played. His best IPL season came in 2013 when he scalped 24 wickets at an average of 19 for the Mumbai Indians franchise. ‘Bhajji’ has played 160 matches with an average of 26.44. Harbhajan Singh has featured in Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings & Kolkata Knight Riders franchises in the IPL. Harbhajan who has scalped wickets with an enticing economy rate of 7.05 has successfully defied the belief of T20 being a batsman game.
The veteran off-spinner who made his first-class debut in the 1997 season for Punjab versus Services, also played 198 first-class matches, snaring 780 wickets. Harbhajan also showed his prowess with the bat by smashing two test centuries in a home test series against New Zealand in 2010. In addition to two tons, he has also scored nine half-centuries in the test format.
Cricket Fraternity applauds “Bhajji” for his immense contribution to Indian Cricket
Congratulatory messages poured in for the veteran off-spinner from the entire cricket fraternity who lauded the spinner for his vital contribution to Indian Cricket.
“Congratulations on a wonderful career Pajhi Your contribution to cricket has been immense and it was a pleasure to play alongside you. Enjoyed our great moments together on and off the field. Wishing you luck for your next innings @harbhajan_singh,” India opener Shikhar Dhawan tweeted.
NCA chief and former India batsman VVS Laxman also extended his good wishes.
“Hearty congratulations to my great mate @harbhajan_singh on a remarkable career! A tremendous exponent of off-spin, a gifted batsman, and a true competitor who fashioned many a wonderful Indian victory. Best wishes for the future, Bhajji, go well!” Former Indian pacer, S Sreesanth, who was in tears after Harbhajan had allegedly slapped him on-field during an IPL match in 2008, labeled the spinner as the best in the world.
“@harbhajan_singh Ur gonna be the one of the best ever played cricket not just for India but in a world of cricket..it’s a huge honor to know u and to have played with you b bhajjipa ….will always cherish the lovely hugs (lucky for me) before my spells ) lots of love and respect.”
