Kochi, First Published Dec 24, 2021, 8:56 PM IST
Kochi: Malayalee cricketer Sreesanth congratulates spinner Harbhajan Singh on his retirement from active cricket. Sreesanth said Harbhajan was one of the best players not only in Indian cricket but also in world cricket. I consider it a great privilege to be able to get to know you and play with you. Your loving hug before you start panthering is always happy and lucky. Full of respect and love, Sreesanth tweeted.
Harbhajan Singh, who was also the captain of the Mumbai Indians in the first season of the IPL, and Sreesanth, a former Kings XI Punjab batsman, got into a heated argument and then slapped Sreesanth on the arm after the match. Sreesanth’s words during the match provoked Harbhajan. Fans still remember the sight of Sreesanth being held captive on his cheeks and his teammates trying to comfort him.
Harbhajan was suspended from subsequent matches that season after it became clear that Sreesanth had slapped him on the cheek. Sean Pollock led Mumbai later that season. But the two later became close friends. The two also played on the team that won the 2011 ODI World Cup.
Harbhajan Singh today announced his retirement from all formats of cricket, including the IPL, via Twitter. Harbhajan, who made his Test debut for India in 1998 at the age of 17, has taken 417 wickets in 101 Tests, 269 wickets in 236 ODIs, 25 wickets in 28 T20Is and 150 wickets in 163 IPL matches.
He was a member of the Indian team that won the 2007 Twenty20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. Harbhajan, the first Indian bowler to score a Test hat-trick, last played for India in March 2016. Although his retirement was not announced later, the selectors did not consider Harbhajan to join the Indian team. Despite being the star of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL last season, Harbhajan did not get a chance in the playing XI.
Last Updated Dec 24, 2021, 8:56 PM IST
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