He made headlines not only on the field but also outside through his lifestyle. Harbhajan’s performance in most of the matches against Australia has been impressive. He was also the match winner of the Indian team, especially in home matches. Harbhajan took 417 wickets in 103 Test matches. He has taken 269 wickets in 236 ODIs. He took 25 wickets in 28 Twenty20 matches.
As Harbhajan Singh turns 41, let’s take a look at some of the unknown facts about his career and life.
Wanted to be a truck driver
Harbhajan Singh, a native of Jalandhar, wanted to go to Canada to take care of his family and become a truck driver there. But it was through the intervention of his sisters that Harbhajan became firm in cricket. His hard work in cricket paved the way for him to join the national team. In 2000, Harbhajan took 28 wickets in five Ranji Trophy matches to catch the eye of the Indian selectors.
Australia’s nightmare
Harbhajan showed his mettle in the matches against Australia. He has taken 32 wickets in three matches against Australia. Harbhajan became the first Indian to score a hat-trick in the second Test at the Eden Gardens. India won the series by ending the Australian impunity in Test cricket.
He wanted to be a batsman
Although he was the best off-spinner in cricket, he wanted to start his career as a batsman. Harbhajan has also proved his mettle as the best batsman at the tail end for the Indian team.
Bowling action controversy
When Harbhajan started his international career, doubts about his bowling action were high. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) examined the case and issued a clean chit.
DSP in Punjab Police
In 2002, he was promoted to the rank of DSP in the Punjab Police due to his achievements on the field.
Sreesanth beaten up
In 2008, Harbhajan Singh, who played for the Mumbai Indians in the inaugural edition of the IPL, beat Sreesanth, who played for Kings XI Punjab. This comes after Australian star Andrew Symonds was suspended for allegedly racially abusing him.