Veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who became the first Indian bowler to grab a Test hat-trick in a memorable international career, announced retirement from all forms of cricket on Friday, saying that he is finally communicating what has been on his mind for the past few years.
The 41-year-old from Punjab took 417 wickets in 103 Tests, 269 wickets in 236 ODIs and 25 scalps in 28 T20Is in his illustrious career, which began in 1998.
“All good things come to an end and 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 and memorable,” he tweeted.
“From the narrow lanes of Jalandhar to becoming the Turbanator of Team India, it has been a beautiful journey of past 25 years,” he said.
Harbhajan, who made his India debut during an ODI against New Zealand at Sharjah in 1998, last played for the country in March 2016 during a T20I against the UAE at Dhaka.
He said he harboured hopes of retiring in India colours but that could not materialise.
“Like all cricketers, I too wanted to bade 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.
Also read: Harbhajan Singh: A match winner who gave it his all
Harbhajan had featured in a few matches during the first phase of last IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders but didn't play in the UAE leg of the league.
“I haven't been playing active cricket for quite some time but due to my commitment with Kolkata Knight Riders, I wanted to stay with them in the IPL season but I had made up my mind during the season.”
“For whichever team I have played, there has always been 100 per cent commitment from me to ensure that my team finishes at the top, whether it is India, Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Surrey or Essex county.” One of the most memorable moments in his international career was when he snapped 32 wickets in three Tests, including the first Test hat-trick by an Indian, against Australia in March 2001. That historic Test triumph is one of most iconic moments in Indian cricket.
Harbhajan Singh’s career in pictures
“In my cricket career, I was happy for the first time when I had taken a hat-trick in Kolkata and I became the first Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in Test cricket. I had also taken 32 wickets in three matches, which is still a record.
“Then the 2007 and 2011 World Cup wins were most important for me. Such memorable moments I can't forget in my life and I can't ever explain in words what it meant to me.” Harbhajan thanked his parents, his spiritual guru, his wife and children in the video, saying that he would now try to make up for the time he couldn't be there with them due to his cricketing commitments.
“My parents worked hard to fulfil my dreams. If I am born again, I would like to be born again as their son,” he said.
“My wife Geeta, your love completes me, you have seen the best and worst of me. You won't complain that I don't give you time anymore. (And) I am happy that I will have time for my children and watch them grow up,” he added.
Cricket fraternity lauds Harbhajan's contribution
Congratulatory messages poured in from the cricket fraternity, lauding Harbhajan Singh's contribution to the game.
“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 he 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 Sreeshath, who was in tears after Harbhajan had allegedly slapped him on-field during an IPL match in 2008, labelled 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 world of cricket..it’s a huge honour 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.”
Following is the compilation of the reactions by other current and former players.
*KL Rahul: “He was a great spinner for India and youngsters like us came in the team, he was very supportive and welcomed us.”
*Kuldip Yadav: “A legend of the game and a match winner for our country Thank you @harbhajan_singh Paaji for your guidance and helping me with my game. You will be missed. Best wishes.”
*Parthiv Patel: “More than a truly great player, Bhajju Pa was always a big brother for all the juniors.@harbhajan_singh would make us laugh all the time and was someone who always made the dressing room like our home. Best wishes in your new innings. #harbhajansingh.”
*Pragyan Ojha: “Congratulations bhajju pa on a splendid career, something that the entire country is proud of. Wishing you the best for the future endeavours. Also a big thank you for being an inspiration to many budding young spinners. God bless you and the family!”
*Umesh Yadav: “One of the finest to represent who won so many games for the nation. Best wishes Bhajju Paa on your retirement @harbhajan_singh.”
*Mayank Agarwal: “Congratulations @harbhajan_singh for a wonderful career. I remember as a kid watching you take that hattrick against Australia in 2001. Thank you for the great memories Bhajji paa. I wish you best for the journey ahead.”
*Suresh Raina: “Your contribution to Indian cricket will always be cherished, @harbhajan_singh paaji wishing you all the best for your future.”
Harbhajan Singh statistics
Bowling
Tests: Matches - 103; wickets: 417; economy: 2.85; Average: 32.5
One-day Internationals: Matches - 236; Wickets: 269; Economy: 4.31; Average: 33.4
Twenty20 Internationals: Matches - 28; Wickets: 25; Economy: 6.20; Average: 25.3
Indian Premier League: Matches: 163; wickets: 150; Economy: 7.07; Average: 26.9
Batting
Tests: Matches: 103; Runs: 2225; Highest: 115; Average: 18.24. Harbhajan has scored two centuries
ODIs: Matches: 236; Runs: 1247; Highest: 49; Average: 13.3
T20 Internationals: Matches: 28; Runs: 103; Highest: 21; Average: 13.5
Indian Premier League: Matches: 163; Runs: 833; Highest: 64; Average: 15.15
