“I wasn’t given a reason”, Harbhajan reveals he asked Dhoni the reason behind his exclusion from Team India

Harbhajan Singh announced his retirement from all forms of cricket last week.

Harbhajan Singh and MS Dhoni | GettyOne of India's most successful spinners, Harbhajan Singh announced his retirement from all forms of cricket last week.

After making his India debut in 1998, the 41-year-old played 103 Tests, 236 ODIs, and 28 T20Is. While the off-spinner claimed 417 wickets in red-ball cricket, he picked up 269 wickets and 25 scalps in ODIs and T20Is respectively.

A consistent member of the side for nearly two decades, Harbhajan became an irregular member of the team post the 2011 World Cup, playing only 10 ODIs and 10 Tests. His last appearance for the country was against UAE in an Asia Cup 2016 match against UAE at Dhaka.

In an exclusive chat with India TV, Harbhajan has revealed that he tried to ask former captain, MS Dhoni, the reason behind his omission but got no response.

“I tried to ask the captain [Dhoni] why, but I wasn’t given a reason. I realized there is no point in me asking for the reason for this treatment, and who is behind it because if you keep asking and no one replies, then it’s better to leave it," he said.

Harbhajan Singh made many comebacks in the national team across formats after 2011 but wasn't a regular member in the final XI. He was a part of the 2016 T20 World Cup squad but didn’t get a chance to play a game.

In the meantime, the Turbanator continued to display his skills in the IPL and other India domestic tournaments. After being released by Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2018, Harbhajan played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a couple of seasons and he was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2021.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 31 Dec, 2021

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