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Tag: Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh: India’s Turbanator and Spin Legend

Harbhajan Singh, also known as the “Turbanator,” is one of India’s greatest off-spinners and a key figure in the country’s golden era of cricket. Known for his fiery temperament, match-turning spells, and iconic battles with world-class batters, Harbhajan played a central role in India’s success across formats in the 2000s. He is the first Indian bowler to take a Test hat-trick and remains one of the top wicket-takers in both Tests and ODIs. This tag page on thelivecricketscore covers his career highlights, IPL journey, and post-retirement involvement in cricket and beyond.

Quick Facts About Harbhajan Singh

Attribute Details
Full Name Harbhajan Singh Plaha
Date of Birth July 3, 1980
Birthplace Jalandhar, Punjab, India
Role Off-Spinner / Lower-order Batter
Bowling Style Right-arm off-break
Batting Style Right-handed
Major Teams India, Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab

International Career Overview

Harbhajan Singh made his international debut in 1998 and became a household name during India’s historic Test series win over Australia in 2001, where he took 32 wickets in 3 Tests, including the first-ever hat-trick by an Indian in Test cricket.

He was a mainstay in India’s bowling attack for over a decade, contributing to victories in:

  • 2001 Test series vs Australia

  • 2007 ICC T20 World Cup

  • 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup

Known for his aggression and competitive spirit, Harbhajan was never afraid to take on the best.

Career Stats

Format Matches Wickets Bowling Avg Best Bowling Runs Bat Avg Best Bat
Test 103 417 32.46 8/84 2224 18.2 115
ODI 236 269 33.35 5/31 1237 13.0 49*
T20I 28 25 25.3 4/12 108 10.8 21*

Check our Live Score section for historical match performances and stats.

IPL Career and Highlights

Harbhajan was one of the most successful bowlers in the Indian Premier League (IPL), playing for top franchises including Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders.

IPL Highlights:

  • 150+ wickets in IPL across 13 seasons

  • Part of 4 IPL title-winning teams

  • Known for tight spells in the powerplay and middle overs

  • Instrumental in MI’s early dominance under Rohit Sharma’s leadership

  • Popular for his on-field rivalries and high-energy celebrations

Notable Achievements

  • First Indian to take a Test hat-trick (vs Australia, Kolkata, 2001)

  • Part of India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 World Cup winning squads

  • Among the top 3 all-time Indian Test wicket-takers

  • Received the Padma Shri in 2009

  • Known for key partnerships and valuable runs as a tailender

Post-Retirement Involvement

Since retiring from all forms of cricket in December 2021, Harbhajan has remained active in the cricketing and political landscape.

  • Commentator and cricket analyst for Star Sports and other broadcasters

  • Mentor and advisor roles in IPL franchises

  • Entered politics as a Rajya Sabha Member (2022–present)

  • Involved in philanthropy, grassroots cricket, and sports development in Punjab

Recent News and Updates

Follow thelivecricketscore for updates on:

  • Harbhajan’s commentary assignments and cricket insights

  • His views on Team India, spinners, and IPL strategies

  • Political initiatives and social impact work

  • Appearances in cricket-related interviews and media coverage

Legacy and Impact

Harbhajan Singh’s legacy lies in:

  • His fearless approach to world-class opponents

  • Elevating the role of spin in overseas conditions

  • Mentoring young Indian spinners and influencing tactical spin bowling

  • Representing India with unmatched passion and pride

He remains a cult figure in Indian cricket history and continues to inspire the next generation of spinners.