Harbhajan Singh, First Indian to Take a Test Hat-Trick, Celebrates 35th Birthday
Harbhajan Singh turns 35 today. The off-spinner is on the comeback trail, having been picked for the one-off Test against Bangladesh recently and the upcoming ODIs in Zimbabwe.
Harbhajan Singh has represented India in 102 Tests, 229 ODIs and 25 T20Is since 1998. As the veteran turns 35, we give you some interesting facts about the off-spinner:
1. Harbhajan Singh is rated as India's best and overall one of the finest off spinners of all time.(Selectors Give Harbhajan Another Chance)
2. He was born in a Sikh family and is the only brother to five sisters.(Ganguly Hails Harbhajan's Return to ODI Team)
3. His nicknames are 'Bhajji' and 'The Turbanator'.(Harbhajan Rates ODI Comeback as Fresh Challenge)
4. Harbhajan is the first Indian to take a hat-trick in Test cricket. He did so in 2001 during India's tour of Australia.(Girlfriend Geeta Basra All Praise for Harbhajan)
5. In 2008, Harbhajan was banned by the ICC and was charged for racial insult towards Andrew Symonds. The ban was later revoked after appeal. (Harbhajan Feels It's a New Beginning After Test Comeback)
6. Later in 2008 during the first IPL, Harbhajan was banned from the tournament after slapping Sreesanth after a match.(Harbhajan's Comeback: Thank God for the IPL)
7. In 2009, he was conferred the Padma Shri Award.(Harbhajan Back in Test Squad)
8. Harbhajan has been awarded the Man-of-series on three occasions in Tests and ODIs.(Gavaskar Feels Harbhajan Deserved a Comeback)
9. Harbhajan has reportedly been in an on-off relationship with Bollywood actress Geeta Basra.('Harbhajan's Return Means Ashwin Can't Relax')
10. Earlier, Bhajji's goal was to become a all-rounder in cricket.(Harbhajan Singh Using Experience to Good Effect)
11. He is famously known for bowling the 'doosra'(Harbhajan Surpasses Akram)