End of time for Turbanator: Harbhajan Singh retires from all forms of cricket

New Delhi, December 24

Veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who became the first Indian bowler to grab a Test hat-trick in a memorable international career, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket today, saying he is finally communicating what has been on his mind for the past few years.

The 41-year-old from Punjab took 417 wickets in 103 Tests, 269 wickets in 236 ODIs and 25 scalps in 28 T20Is in his illustrious career, which began in 1998.

“All good things come to an end and today as I bid adieu to the game that has given me everything in life, I would like to thank everyone who made this 23-year-long journey beautiful and memorable,” he tweeted.

“From the narrow lanes of Jalandhar to becoming the Turbanator of Team India, it has been a beautiful journey of past 25 years,” he said.

Harbhajan, who made his India debut in an ODI against New Zealand at Sharjah in 1998, last played for the country in March 2016 in a T20I against the UAE in Dhaka.

He said he harboured the hope of retiring in India colours but it could not materialise. “Like all cricketers, I too wanted to bid adieu in Indian jersey but fate had something else in store for me,” he said in a video posted alongside his tweet. “...there comes a time when you have to take some tough decisions and have to move on in life. Mentally I had retired long back but couldn’t announce it. I haven’t been active in cricket,” he added.

Harbhajan had featured in a few matches during the first phase of this year’s IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders but didn’t play in the UAE leg of the league.

One of the most memorable moments in his international career was when he snapped 32 wickets in three Tests, including the first Test hat-trick by an Indian, against Australia in early 2001. That historic triumph is one of most iconic moments of Indian cricket because the team came back from 0-1 down to win the series 2-1. — PTI

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