Members of the Indian cricket team, including Test captain Virat Kohli and head coach Rahul Dravid, congratulated Harbhajan Singh on the off-spinner’s retirement. Speaking to BCCI during a training session at Centurion on Friday, India stars washed out the best for their former teammate, who took the wraps off his 23-year-long international career.
Harbhajan ended his illustrious career He is the fourth-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests with 417 wickets and fifth among Indian bowlers with 269 scalps in ODIs. Harbhajan played a key role in the historic Kolkata Test in 2001, in which he took a match-match of 13 wickets and became the first Indian bowler to take a Test hat-trick.
He was instrumental in helping India win the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 and later in becoming the first team to win the 2011 World Cup at home in India.
Harbhajan’s growth as one of India’s premier spinners coincided with the emergence of Rahul Dravid as one of the finest batsmen in the country. Harbhajan also played under Dravid’s captaincy between 2001 and 2007, becoming an important part of India’s bowling attack in the 2000s.
In the late 2000s, Harbhajan was already a senior man in the team. Harbhajan also shared the dressing room with Virat Kohli and played 2 Test matches under the latter’s captaincy in 2015.
Bhajju pa, many congratulations: Kohli
Highlighting the support he received from Harbhajan in his early days with the senior national team, Kohli said: “Bhajju pa, a big congratulations on an illustrious career. 711 international wickets is no trivial feat.
“I think you can be very proud of that achievement. It’s a privilege to be able to represent your country but playing for so long and taking so many wickets is a different level altogether. Whatever you do next.” Wishing you all the best in life I hope you are finding happiness and peace and lots of happiness with your family.
“I cherish all the moments that we played for India together and the way you guided me when I came into the team. You really supported me completely. And we were very good friends off the field. Let’s share. God bless you, take care,” Kohli said.
A legend and one of the best game ever to play! #teamindia Congratulations @harbhajan_singh on a wonderful career @imVkohli , @cheteshwar1 pic.twitter.com/iefNrA4r2M
—BCCI (@BCCI) December 24, 2021
Bhajji is a great team man: Rahul Dravid
lots of compliments Harbhajan’s ability On fighting the setbacks, Dravid said: “A big congratulations to Bhajji for his absolutely brilliant career. I remember seeing him as a young 18-year-old in Mohali. And just looking at him, you knew that. He was a fine talent. But from being a fine talent, what he has achieved in the last 23 years is absolutely phenomenal.
“He’s had his share of ups and downs, he’s faced his challenges but he always comes out smiling and always fighting. A great competitor and a great team man, you’ve always wanted to go to war. He is a great fighter.
“He is one of the greatest performers for India. To be able to take over 400 wickets and to be a great partner for Anil Kumble and part of our many great victories, it’s a pleasure. And fortunately I am playing with him,” Dravid said.
India is preparing for the first Test of the 3-match series against South Africa at Centurion from 26 December. This will be the first overseas assignment for the new captain-coach combination of Kohli and Dravid.