While Harbhajan primarily made his mark as a bowler, his contributions with the bat were also crucial on numerous occasions for India
Celebrating his 44th birthday today, Harbhajan Singh, renowned as the 'Turbanator,' is hailed as one of cricket's premier off-spinners. Known for his exceptional talent and prolific wicket-taking ability, Harbhajan carved out an illustrious career. In Test cricket, Harbhajan's 417 wickets place him fourth among India's top wicket-takers and 15th overall in Test history. He took 269 wickets in 236 matches in the one-day format, ranking as the fifth most successful Indian ODI bowler. While Harbhajan primarily made his mark as a bowler, his contributions with the bat were also crucial on numerous occasions for India.
On his special day, let's have a look at his top six best performances across all formats, using both bat and ball.
5/31 vs. England, 2006
One of Harbhajan's finest performances in the ODI format came against England in 2006. In this match, he showcased his all-round abilities by taking five crucial wickets and emerging as the highest scorer for India with 37 runs.
Harbhajan's exceptional bowling decimated the English batting lineup as they chased a modest total, never allowing them to settle. His pivotal role with bat and ball made him the architect of India's victory, marking this as one of the great ODI performances.
Credit: Sportskeeda
Harbhajan Singh celebrates his wicket at the Eden Gardens in 2001
One of Harbhajan's career-defining moments occurred during a Test match against Australia in 2001 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, earning him the nickname 'Turbanator.' He dominated with a masterful spell in the first innings, claiming 7 out of 10 Australian wickets.
His standout performance continued on the decisive fifth day, as he took six wickets in the second innings, leading India to a historic victory. This match remains a pivotal moment in Indian cricket history, showcasing Harbhajan's exceptional talent and ability to sway match outcomes independently.
Harbhajan Singh is the fourth highest wicket-taker for India with 417 wickets
Following their historic win in Kolkata, India entered the Chennai Test match with Harbhajan in peak form. In the first innings, he took seven wickets, troubling the Australian batters with his off-spin. However, his remarkable performance in the second innings defined the match, as he captured eight wickets for just 84 runs, single-handedly dismantling Australia's batting lineup.
This pivotal effort secured the match and clinched the series victory, marking one of India's most memorable triumphs in cricket history. Harbhajan's tally of 32 wickets across the three-test series established him as the key architect of India's success.
Credit: The Telegraph
Harbhajan Singh celebrates his maiden century
India led New Zealand by just 28 runs entering the second innings on Day Four, heading towards a likely draw until Chris Martin's spell reduced India to a perilous 15 for five. Despite the challenge, VVS Laxman held firm as India closed the day at 82 for six, facing the prospect of defeat.
In a crucial turnaround, Harbhajan joined Laxman, and together, they formed a crucial 163-run partnership over 55 overs. Harbhajan played aggressively, reaching his milestone with a stylish shot over cover off Daniel Vettori, amusingly mimicking Sachin Tendulkar's celebratory style. His bold batting and Laxman's resilience helped India save the Test match, turning potential defeat into a memorable draw.
Chasing 293 against a robust Australian bowling attack, including Brett Lee, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Johnson, and Shane Watson, India was 201 for seven in the 40th over, seeming distant from victory. Praveen Kumar and Harbhajan then launched a spirited counterattack, gradually closing in on the target. Kumar hit two crucial boundaries off Shane Watson, while Harbhajan sealed the over with a boundary and a six.
Needing nine runs from the final over with Harbhajan nearing his maiden ODI fifty, India's hopes were dashed when Peter Siddle bowled him out in the second ball. Despite the loss, India's resilient effort highlighted their fighting spirit in a fiercely competitive match.
During the 2012 T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka, Harbhajan's exceptional spell of 4-12 dismantled the England batting lineup, which included two maiden overs. His efforts helped India bowl out England for just 80 runs, securing a decisive 90-run victory.
