Veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh on Friday (December 24) announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. He made his debut for India in 1998 and played his last match for the country in 2016, which was a T20I match against UAE.
The BCCI President Sourav Ganguly congratulated Harbhajan for a remarkable career and said his hunger to perform inspired him the most. The offie is currently the fourth-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket with 417 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. 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," said Ganguly in an official BCCI release.
Ganguly also recalled Harbhajan's outstanding performance in the famous Test series against Australia, back in 2001. He credited him for turning the series in India's favor single-handedly with his bowling.
"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," he added.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah also sent his best wishes to Harbhajan for future endeavors and mentioned his fighting spirit while playing for the country. Apart from Harbhajan's bowling, Shah also spoke on his contribution with the bat.
"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. 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," said Jay Shah.
"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," he added.
(With ANI Inputs)
