NEW DELHI: Veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who became the first Indian bowler to grab a Test hat-trick in a memorable international career, announced retirement from all forms of cricket on Friday, saying that he is finally communicating what has been on his mind for the past few years.
The 41-year-old from Punjab took 417 wickets in 103 Tests, 269 wickets in 236 ODIs and 25 scalps in 28 T20Is in his illustrious career, which began in 1998.
“All good things come to an end and today as I bid adieu to the game that has given me everything in life, I would like to thank everyone who made this 23-year-long journey beautiful and memorable,” he tweeted.
“From the narrow lanes of Jalandhar to becoming the Turbanator of Team India, it has been a beautiful journey of the past 25 years,” he said.
Harbhajan, who made his India debut during an ODI against New Zealand at Sharjah in 1998, last played for the country in March 2016 during a T20I against the UAE at Dhaka.
He said he harboured hopes of retiring in India colours but that could not materialise.
“Like all cricketers, I too wanted to bid adieu in Indian jersey but fate had something else in store for me,” he said in a YouTube video posted alongside his tweet.
“…there comes a time when you have to take some tough decisions and have to move on in life. Mentally I had retired long back but couldn’t announce it. I haven’t been active in cricket,” he added.
Harbhajan had featured in a few matches during the first phase of last IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders but didn’t play in the UAE leg of the league.
“I haven’t been playing active cricket for quite some time but due to my commitment with Kolkata Knight Riders, I wanted to stay with them in the IPL season but I had made up my mind during the season.”
“For whichever team I have played, there has always been 100 per cent commitment from me to ensure that my team finishes at the top, whether it is India, Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Surrey or Essex county.” —PTI

Press Trust of India