Early Life
Harbhajan Singh was born on July 3, 1980, in Jalandhar, Punjab, India. He grew up in a lower-middle-class family; his father used to drive a ball bearing truck while her mother was a housewife. Unfortunately, he lost his father at the age of 15 forcing him to start working in a brick kiln.
Cricket Career
Once touted as a batting prodigy by his school coach, Harbhajan made his first class debut for Punjab against Services during the 1997-98 Ranji Trophy season. Known popularly as “Bhajji”, he is an Indian international cricket player who plays all forms of the game and widely regarded as one of the greatest off spin bowlers in the history of cricket.
Newcomer Success
Bowling with impressive precision that beguiles his youthful appearance, Harbhajan made significant strides towards inevitable international recognition with appearances in the Under-19 team and solid performances on tour against Australia A-team.
Rise To Fame
The right arm spin prowess got noticed and led to selection into National Team and made Test Debut for India against Australia in March 1998. His career turning point came when he took 32 wickets during Border Gavaskar trophy series in 2001 where India defeated Australia.
Achievements & Recognition
Harbhajan Singh became the first Indian bowler to take a hat trick in Test match cricket against Australia at Eden Gardens, Kolkata in 2001. Among numerous awards and recognition throughout his illustrious career include ‘Padma Shri’ – fourth highest civilian award given by Government of India for his contributions to sports.
Despite the ups and downs in his career, Harbhajan went on to be one of the most successful bowlers in Indian cricket history. In 2019, he was named among Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year.
Post-Retirement
After retiring from international cricket in 2019, Bhajji has been quite active as a commentator at various national and international level cricket matches and had involved himself into movie acting and television appearances too.
Harbhajan Singh married Bollywood actress Geeta Basra in 2015 with whom he has a daughter Hinaya Heer Plaha.
Even today, Harbhajan continues to inspire young cricketers around the globe with his standing reputation for expertise and sportsmanship.
