Indian spin great Harbhajan Singh announced on Friday that he would retire from all forms of cricket. The off-spinner took to Twitter to make the announcement and also shared a video on YouTube explaining the rationale behind his decision. Harbhajan was an integral part of the Indian team in various formats in the 2000s, winning the 2007 ICC WT20 and the 2011 ICC World Cup with the team captained by MS Dhoni. Harbhajan rose to fame in 2001 when he played a stellar role in helping India defeat Steve Waugh’s all-conquering Australian side in a home test series. The off-spinner took 32 wickets in the series, including a hat-trick in the historic 2nd Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the first by an Indian bowler.
“All good things come to an end and today, as I say goodbye to the game that has given me everything in life, I want to thank everyone who made this 23 year journey beautiful and memorable. My sincere thanks. Grateful”, Harbhajan wrote on Twitter.
Here’s a look at Harbhajan’s significant milestones and achievements in his 23-year illustrious cricket career:
With 417 wickets in 103 Test matches, Harbhajan . is 14th in the list of the highest wicket-takers of all time and fourth best Indian behind Anil Kumble (619), Kapil Dev (434) and R Ashwin (427).
Test debut: vs Australia in Bengaluru – March 1998
Most test wickets against countries
95 wickets vs Australia in 18 matches
60 wickets vs South Africa in 11 matches
56 wickets vs West Indies in 11 matches
53 wickets vs Sri Lanka in 16 matches
45 wickets vs England in 14 matches
Most successful test seasons
2002: 63 wickets in 13 matches (five 5-wicket hauls)
2001: 60 wickets in 12 matches (six 5-wicket draws, two 10-wicket draws)
Best bowling grades in a Testinnings
8/84 vs Australia on March 18, 2001 in Chennai
ODI debut: vs New Zealand in Sharjah – April 17, 1998
Most ODI wickets against countries
61 wickets vs Sri Lanka in 47 matches
36 wickets vs England in 23 matches
33 wickets vs West Indies in 31 matches
32 wickets vs Australia in 35 matches
31 wickets vs South Africa in 24 matches
promoted
Harbhajan also claimed: 25 wickets in 28 T20I matches.
(With PTI inputs)
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