In an emotional social media post and a YouTube video, former 50-over Cricket World Cup and T20 World Cup winner Harbhajan Singh announced his retirement from cricket. Harbhajan bid adieu to the game "that has given me everything in life" after a span of 23 years. He posted with a caption that read, "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. My heartfelt thank you. Grateful."
Strong reactions poured in from all cricketing circles. "As Harbhajan Singh bids adieu to all forms of cricket, we wish him the very best. Good luck for the future," tweeted BCCI.
The legendary Sachin Tendulkar shared the story of his first meeting with Harbhajan.
Ex-Team India cricketer VVS Laxman showered immense praise on Harbhajan on having a "remarkable career" and posted:
"Hearty congratulations to my great mate @harbhajan_singh on a remarkable career! A tremendous exponent of off-spin, a gifted batsman and a true competitor who fashioned many a wonderful Indian victory. Best wishes for the future, Bhajji, go well!."
Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha also congratulated Harbhajan on a splendid career and wrote:
"Congratulations bhajju pa on a splendid career, something that the entire country is proud of. Wishing you the best for the future endeavors. Also, a big thank you for being an inspiration to many budding young spinners. God bless you and the family!."
Dodda Ganesh, former India player, also posted well wishes for Harbhajan.
"You were a great servant for Indian cricket, Bhajji @harbhajan_singh. Enjoyed every moment playing with you during our IND-A tours. Your contributions will never be forgotten. Good luck for your post retirement life. Hopefully you'll be involved in the game in some capacity."
Many other prominent cricketing personalities like Shikhar Dhawan, Kuldeep Yadav, Parthiv Patel and Shubman Gill also congratulated Harbhajan on a stellar career.
"Congratulations on a wonderful career Pajhi. Your contribution to cricket has been immense and it was a pleasure to play alongside you Enjoyed our great moments together on and off the field. Wishing you luck for your next innings @harbhajan_singh."
"A legend of the game and a match winner for our country. Thank you @harbhajan_singh Paaji for your guidance and helping me with my game. You will be missed. Best wishes."
"More than a truly great player, Bhajju Pa was always a big brother for all the juniors. @harbhajan_singh would make us laugh all the time and was someone who always made the dressing room like our home. Best wishes in your new innings. #harbhajansingh."
"A player who gave it his all and never backed down from a challenge. Congratulations on a wonderful career @harbhajan_singh Paaji. You will be missed. I wish you the very best in your future endeavours."
Harbhajan played 103 Tests, 236 ODIs and 28 T20Is for Team India. He was part of the winning squad of the 2011 CWC and also the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup in South Africa.