BCCI congratulates Harbhajan Singh on fantastic career

Mumbai: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday congratulated Harbhajan Singh on a fantastic career after the veteran off-spinner announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.

'The Turbanator' Harbhajan finished his cricketing career as India's fourth-highest wicket-taker in Tests with 417 wickets and fifth in ODIs with 269 scalps.

"I congratulate Harbhajan Singh on a remarkable career. He has faced several challenges in his life, but Bhajji is not the one to give up. He has overcome many hurdles and put many setbacks behind him to rise every time," said Sourav Ganguly, President of BCCI, in a release.

"What inspired me the most about him was his hunger to perform. His strength was his guts and courage. He was always very passionate, and his immense self-belief meant he never shied away from a fight. He also kept the dressing room atmosphere light and that is something really important.

"His first full Test series against Australia in 2001 is the greatest that I have seen where one bowler single-handedly won the series. He was a captain’s delight. As a bowler, he hated putting fielders in the deep.

"Bhajji has been an absolute match winner. He should be proud of what he has achieved. I want to tell him that the new innings in his life will be as exciting," Ganguly added.

The Jalandhar-born made his India debut in 1998 against Australia. Harbhajan is only the second Indian spinner after Anil Kumble to have played over 100 Tests for India.

The off-spinner also holds the honour of being the first Indian to take a Test hat-trick when he dismissed Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist and Shane Warne during the 2001 Kolkata Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Harbhajan was adjudged the Player of the Series on four occasions - Australia tour of India 2000-01, West Indies tour of India 2002-03, South Africa tour of India 2007-08, and New Zealand tour of India 2010-11.

He was honoured with the national sports award, Arjuna Award in 2003 and the fourth-highest civilian award, Padma Shri in 2009.

"Harbhajan Singh has had a phenomenal career with Team India. He has been a part of many memorable victories both at home and away. He played his cricket with grit and passion and wore his heart on his sleeve," said Jay Shah, Secretary of BCCI.

"His fighting spirit and his zeal to perform for India when the team was under pressure is something that always stood out. His presence on the field lifted everyone’s morale.

"While he played a major role with the ball, picking up wickets aplenty, it must be remembered that he has also played some crucial knocks with the bat, helping us get over the line. I wish him the best for all his future endeavours and wish to see him being closely associated with the game," Shah added.(UNI)