BCCI President Sourav Ganguly congratulated Harbhajan Singh, who on Friday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, on his illustrious career as the former Indian captain called him ‘always a captain’s delight’.
Ganguly also recalled his performance in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2001 when the ace spinner picked 32 wickets in the series. In the same series, he also became the first Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in Test Cricket as the off-spinner claimed the wickets of Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist and Shane Warne in successive deliveries in the historic test at Eden Gardens.
“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. 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,” Ganguly said in a BCCI press release.
“His first full Test series against Australia in 2001 is the greatest that I have seen where one bowler single-handedly won the series,” said Ganguly who captained India in the series.
The premier off-spinner finished his career with 417 Test wickets, 269 ODI wickets and 25 T20I wickets. He was also a part of two World Cup-winning campaigns for India- in T20 World Cup 2007 and ODI World Cup 2011.
As far as a favourite opponent is concerned, Bhajji loved to perform against Australia as he picked 95 wickets in 18 Tests against Australia including 7 fifers.
“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.
Harbhajan Singh also picked 150 IPL wickets in his various stints with Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.
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