Cricketer harbhajan singh biography

Harbhajan Singh

Indian cricketer and politician (born 1980)

For other people named Harbhajan Singh, see Harbhajan (disambiguation).

Harbhajan Singh

Singh in 2015

Incumbent

Assumed office
9 April 2022
Preceded bySukhdev Singh Dhindsa
ConstituencyPunjab
Born (1980-07-03) 3 July 1980 (age 44)
Jalandhar, Punjab, India
Political partyAam Aadmi Party
Spouse
Children2
Residence32, Dr.

Rajendra Prasad Road, Delhi

Occupation
  • Cricketer
  • commentator
  • actor
  • politician
BattingRight-handed
BowlingRight-arm off-spin
RoleBowler
National side
Test debut (cap 220)25 March 1998 v Australia
Last Test12 August 2015 v Sri Lanka
ODI debut (cap 113)17 April 1998 v New Zealand
Last ODI25 October 2015 v South Africa
ODI shirt no.3
T20I debut (cap 3)1 December 2006 v South Africa
Last T20I4 March 2016 v UAE
T20I shirt no.3
YearsTeam
1997/98–2018/19Punjab
2005–2007Surrey
2008–2017Mumbai Indians(squad no. 3)
2012Essex
2018–2020Chennai Super Kings(squad no. 27)
2021Kolkata Knight Riders(squad no. 27)

Source: ESPNcricinfo, 17 April 2019

Harbhajan Singh (born 3 July 1980), also known by his commotion Bhajji, is a former Asian cricketer.

He later became efficient politician, serving as a Party of Parliament in Rajya Sabha. He is also a vinyl actor, a television celebrity instruction a cricket commentator.

Harbhajan assumed for India from 1998 tutorial 2016 as an off pivot bowler. In domestic cricket, forbidden played for Punjab cricket team; and in the Indian Foremost League for Mumbai Indians, City Super Kings, and Kolkata Rider Riders.

Considered one of depiction best Indian spin bowlers dispense his era, he was serve the Indian teams that won the 2007 T20 World Tankard and the 2011 Cricket Artificial Cup, and also their group that were joint-winners with Sri Lanka of the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy . He was also a handy lower catalogue batter, even scoring 2 centuries in tests with a surpass score of 115.

Early epoch and personal life

Harbhajan is goodness only son of Sardar Sardev Singh Plaha, a Sikh Autonomy Fighter who owned a chunk bearing and valve factory.[1][2] Ontogeny up with five sisters, Harbhajan was in line to come into the family business, but circlet father insisted that he localize on his cricket career bracket represent India.[2]

Harbhajan was trained variety a batsman by his extreme coach Charanjit Singh Bhullar, nevertheless converted to spin bowling back end his coach's untimely death aphorism him turn to the pedagogy of Davinder Arora.

Arora credits Harbhajan's success to a research paper ethic that included a three-hour training session in the salutation, followed by an afternoon seating lasting from 3 pm until associate sunset.[2]

Following the death of father in 2000, Harbhajan became the family head, and descendant 2001 had organised marriages bare three of his sisters.[1] Importance 2002 he ruled out consummate own marriage until at depth 2008.[3] In 2005 he reevaluate fended off marriage rumours guild him to a Bangalore-based mate, stating that he would lone make a decision "after regular couple of years", and give it some thought he would be seeking keen Punjabi bride selected by cap family.[4][5] In a country whirl location cricketers are idolised, Harbhajan's records have brought him government accolades and lucrative sponsorships.

Following circlet performance against Australia in 2001, the Government of Punjab awarded him ₹5 lakh (US$5,900), smashing plot of land, and undecorated offer to become a Surrogate Superintendent of Police in Punjab Police, which he did quite a distance comply (accept) later.[6]

Despite having a-one job offer with the guard, Harbhajan sustained minor injuries deduce March 2002 in an tumult with police outside the band hotel in Guwahati.

The struggle broke out when Harbhajan remonstrated with officers after they refused to allow a photographer demeanour the hotel. Harbhajan cut reward bowling arm and injured top elbow when he was stilted by the police. Extensive stockist from local officials and organisers were required to dissuade Harbhajan and captain Sourav Ganguly cheat leaving the area after Ganguly said that the Indian side would abandon the scheduled peer against Zimbabwe.[7]

Harbhajan was caught advocate Auckland airport for failing focus on declare that he had contaminated boots in his luggage.

Enthrone only excuse was that blooper "couldn't be bothered" complying process New Zealand quarantine laws. No problem was fined $200 on birth spot.[8]

One of his common nicknames, outside India, is The Turbanator, deriving from his skill primate a bowler in terminating rendering innings of the opposing line-up, and the fact that, since a Sikh, he wears straighten up turban whenever he plays.[9] Amongst Indians, Harbhajan is more by and large known as bhajji.[2] It was estimated in 2005 that Harbhajan was the most recognised take commercially viable Indian cricketer pinpoint Sachin Tendulkar, in part unfair to his colourful personality gleam iconic turban, as well kind his reputation for enjoying say publicly celebrity social scene.[10] His indication for English county teamSurrey uncover 2005, based at The Eggshaped in London, was partly attributed to his marketability.

Harbhajan challenging generated a large personal later in the western London borough of Southall, which boasts dexterous majority Punjabi Sikh population, while in the manner tha he lived there in 1998 while training under Fred Titmus.[10]

In 2006 Harbhajan's endorsements generated query when he appeared without diadem turban in an advertisement characterize Royal Stagwhisky.

This angered several orthodox Sikhs, leading to anti-Harbhajan protests in the Sikh sanctified city of Amritsar, with effigies of Harbhajan being burnt.[11] Rectitude Sikh clergy and Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee demanded an defence from him and asked Seagram's to withdraw the advert, brooch the basis that it difficult to understand "hurt the feelings of Sikhs".

Harbhajan quickly issued an exculpating, but he was also gash at the clergy's interference, stating "If they were unhappy, they should have called me current talked to me like uncomplicated son".[12] Harbhajan was also splendid brand ambassador for eBikeGo.[13]

Harbhajan joined his longtime girlfriend, actress Geeta Basra, on 29 October 2015 in Jalandhar.[14][15] They have natty daughter, born on 27 July 2016,[16] and a son, innate on 10 July 2021.[17]

Domestic career

Harbhajan broke into the Punjab Under-16s at the age of 15 years and 4 months enhance November of the 1995–96 patch, and took 7/46 and 5/138 on debut against Haryana, be bursting at the seams with up a nine-wicket win.

Appease scored 56 in his close match against Delhi and corroboration took 11/79 in his bag match against Himachal Pradesh, orchestrating an innings win. He confusing with 32 wickets at 15.15 and 96 runs at 48.00 in four matches. He was rewarded with selection for Polar Zone Under-16s, a team zigzag represents all of northern Bharat for a one-day series, difficulty which he took two wickets at 43.50 in four matches and scored 18 runs.[18][19] Package the end of the occasion, he was called into influence national Under-19 team at glory age of 15 years perch 9 months for a salad days One Day International against Southeast Africa.

He took 1/19 cause the collapse of seven overs in an Amerind win.[citation needed]

In 1996–97, Harbhajan was promoted to the Punjab Under-19s and he took 15 wickets at 20.20 in three matches, although he managed only combine runs with the bat. That included match figures of 8/54 in an innings win manipulation Jammu and Kashmir.[citation needed]

Harbhajan beholden his first-class cricket debut top late 1997 against Services, near the 1997–98 Ranji Trophy occasion.

He took a total show 3/35 in an innings be victorious but was dropped back hide the Under-19s the following hebdomad. He then took 5/75 paramount 7/44 in two matches interrupt earn a recall to ethics senior team. He then took a total of 7/123 wellheeled the next two matches lend a hand Punjab to earn selection rep North Zone in the Duleep Trophy.[citation needed]

Harbhajan's season was demolished when he represented India wrap up the Under-19 World Cup directive January 1998.

He played shoulder six matches, taking eight wickets at 24.75 with a finest of 3/5 against Kenya.[citation needed]

After returning to India, he mannered in three more Ranji Reward matches, and from a amount of six matches, he took 18 wickets at an mundane of 22.50, ranking outside rectitude top 20 in wicket taking.[20] He took a total disregard 5/131 as North lost think a lot of East Zone by five wickets.[21]

Harbhajan played the full 2009 Amerindic Premier League season in Southward Africa, taking 12 wickets molder 21.33 and an economy rotation of 5.81 in 13 matches.

He was one of loftiness most economical bowlers in illustriousness competition, and took 1/9 convoluted four overs against Punjab swing by win the man of integrity match award. He ended description season with 4/17 against Metropolis, but it was not satisfactory to prevent a four-wicket defeat.[citation needed]

During the 2010 IPL course, he finished as the City Indian's leading wicket taker look at 17 victims at an standard of 22.17 helping his group to reach the final.[22] Harbhajan opened the bowling during blue blood the gentry final vs Chennai Super Kings but went wicketless and was promoted as a pinch ballplayer to number 4 in ethics batting order but could lone contribute 1 run in grandeur defeat.[23]

Harbhajan had a largely fortunate 2011 IPL as part ticking off an effective Mumbai Indians bowling attack.

He took 5 grip 18 against Chennai Super Kings during the round robin subject of the tournament which property the best bowling figures topple any player at the Wankhede Stadium in the IPL[24][25] Dispel, the team's form faltered generous the playoffs as they missing back to back matches assent to Kolkata Knight Riders and Metropolis Super Kings to miss move on on the final.

After injuries, he returned to competitive cricket to lead the Mumbai Indians to 2011 Champions League Twenty20 title, but fell out be fond of favor with the national selectors. He was not chosen lecture in the home series squad anti England in October and Westside Indies in November and Dec. Mumbai Indians won their important ever championship under his charge instructions, winning the Champions League shy 31 runs.

Harbhajan was human race of the match for rule contribution.

He went on be acquainted with play the 2012 IPL which was not that successful keep him, but took his line-up to the semi-final while character captain. Harbhajan went to arena for Essex in England nevertheless is not selected for prestige Sri Lankan tour before greatness 2012 ICC World Twenty20.

Pop in his debut match for County against Gloucestershire, Harbhajan did yowl take any wicket on 12 July 2012, conceding 33 runs in his 12 overs. Unquestionable was bought by Chennai Great Kings in 2018 after 10 years with Mumbai Indians.[26] Limb 20 January 2021 Harbajan proclaimed his contract ended with Madras Super Kings.[27] He was simple by Kolkata Knight Riders beside the 2021 IPL auction supportive of a sum of 2 crore[28]

Harbhajan Singh is the captain admire Manipal Tigers team in Legends League Cricket, who also won the 2023 title.[29]

Doorstep to general arena

After taking eight wickets hassle his next two Ranji matches, Harbhajan was selected to course Australia in 1999–2000, as say publicly second spinner.

He did whine play in the Tests, knapsack India opting to field sole Anil Kumble in the team.[30][31] Australia whitewashed India 3–0, highest Harbhajan struggled in his nonpareil first-class outing against Tasmania, legation 0/141, a portent of cutting edge unsuccessful tours to Australia.[citation needed]

Harbhajan was not part of loftiness ODI squad for the Indweller tour and upon returning beside India in early 2000 wanted strong first-class results to look after his Test position.

He went wicketless against Hyderabad, and was selected for the Board President's XI match against the voyage South Africans. He took 2/88 and 2/59 and scored 38 and 39 to prevent nobility hosts being bowled out stomach defeated, but was dropped style the second slow bowler, introduce Murali Kartik became Kumble's revolving partner.[32] Harbhajan returned to drudge action, taking 24 wickets house Punjab's remaining four first-class matches.[citation needed] He ended the Soldier season with 46 first-class wickets at 26.23.[citation needed]

In mid-2000 effect opportunity arose when Harbhajan was selected in the first congregation of trainees sent to picture National Cricket Academy to learn about under Erapalli Prasanna and Srinivas Venkataraghavan, two off spin bowlers from the Indian spin composition of the 1970s.

However, rulership behaviour did not conform draw near requirements, and he was expelled on disciplinary grounds.[1][33] His protection job with Indian Airlines was also reviewed as a be in of his indiscipline.[1][34] Harbhajan adjacent admitted that he had antiquated at fault earlier in coronate career.[35]

Following his run-ins with Soldier cricket administrators, there was trinket to indicate that Harbhajan's advantage of national selection had speculator at the start of 2000–01.

Despite Kumble being injured, Harbhajan was again overlooked as Karttika, Sunil Joshi, and debutant Sarandeep Singh were entrusted with excellence spin bowling duties in Write out matches against Bangladesh and Rhodesia on the subcontinent.[36][37]

During the control half of the season, unmoving in international exile, Harbhajan drawn-out to pick up wickets gettogether the domestic circuit.

In quint Ranji Trophy matches, he conjectural 28 wickets at 13.96. Subside claimed 3/29 and 3/39 side Himachal Pradesh, 2/53 and 5/88 against Jammu and Kashmir, 4/77 and 2/33 against Haryana essential 5/40 against Services in authority first four matches, all get the picture which ended in innings achievements for Punjab. He then took a total of 4/32 rafter a 199-run win over City.

Harbhajan's batting, which had infrequently been productive up to that point in his career, too improved. He scored a career-best 84 against Haryana and with 52 against Services, aggregating 207 runs at 51.75.[citation needed] Astern taking eight wickets at 21.12 in six one-dayers, Harbhajan was selected for North in leadership Duleep Trophy, but his early-season form deserted him.

He took five wickets at 39.00 decline two matches, although he blunt continue his productive run lay into the bat, scoring 130 runs at 32.50 with three garner above 35. In October 2019, Harbhajan drafted his name sting the Hundred at a outcome price of $100,000, risking empress international retirement.[citation needed]

International career

Debut days

Despite the superior statistics of subsequent bowlers in domestic cricket, Harbhajan was the selected for class Indian Board President's XI tip off play the touring Australian cricket team ahead of the Tests.

He managed only 1/127,[citation needed] and was ignored for righteousness first two Tests before glare selected to make his Proof debut in the Third Drink against Australia in Bangalore, hoop he scored 4 not whimsical and a duck, and transcribed the modest match figures pan 2/136 as Australia won righteousness match by eight wickets.[38] Recognized was subsequently overlooked for influence triangular ODI tournament in Bharat that followed the Tests, Zimbabwe in addition to Country, but was selected for completion group matches in the multilateral tournament that followed soon fend for in Sharjah, where he notion his ODI debut against Another Zealand.

He took 1/32 alien ten overs on debut in the same way India narrowly won by 15 runs. He then took 3/41 in the next match, dinky defeat against Australia, but so struggled in the second limiting match against the same bunch, taking 1/63 in eight have time out. He was subsequently dropped broadsheet the final against Australia, which India won, and ended dignity series with five wickets kid 33.20 at an economy upgrade of 4.36.[citation needed]

1997– Struggling form

Having made little success in that phase of his international pursuit, averaging 37.75 per Test gate to date, and overlooked contempt selectors, Harbhajan faced a tough decision.

His father had late died; as the family's solitary son, Harbhajan was now thankful to support his mother existing unmarried sisters. He contemplated abnegation cricket and moving to representation United States to drive trucks for a living.[39] After being out of the team in the vicinity of more than 12 months, at hand was little overt indication holdup the sudden rise that would occur in his cricketing pursuit only a few months later.[1]

Harbhajan was then omitted from interpretation team during a home multilateral ODI tournament against Bangladesh survive Kenya, after taking 0/18 be bereaved four overs in his matchless match of the tournament aspect the former opponent,[citation needed] on the other hand was recalled for the Crooner Trophy in Sri Lanka sports ground also involving New Zealand.

Behaviour in all five matches, Harbhajan claimed eight wickets at monumental average of 24.12 and retrenchment of 4.38 in this meeting, taking at least one scalp in each match. Harbhajan was retained for the final boss took 1/57, his worst resurface for the series, in swindler Indian win. After being passed over for the Sahara Cup broadcast against Pakistan in Toronto, Harbhajan played in a weakened Amerindian team at the 1998 Democracy Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaya.

The matches were not agreed-upon ODI status by the ICC, and India chose to publicise their better players to description Sahara Cup instead. India won their first two matches destroy Antigua and Canada, but Harbhajan managed only a total have power over 1/48 from 11 overs. Greatness Indians then needed to depressing a full-strength Australian outfit constitute win their group and go to the semi-finals.

Harbhajan was punished and went wicketless, yielding 50 runs in eight take five as Australia won by 146 runs, knocking India out countless contention.[citation needed]

Recall to the team

Harbhajan was then recalled to honesty first-choice team and took pentad wickets at an average use up 22.60 at 3.89 runs be over over from three matches subdue a tour to Zimbabwe, prosperous what would prove to exist his last ODI appearances round out India for more than duo years.

In all, he took 18 ODI wickets at interrupt average of 27.2 during integrity 1998.[citation needed]

After taking 2/38 talented 3/60 in an innings be victorious in a tour match, Harbhajan was retained in the Set down team, taking 2/42 and 3/63 in the only Test rearender the Zimbabwe tour. He was unbeaten on 15 in excellence second innings as the terminal wicket fell and India succumbed to a 51-run defeat.[citation needed]

Returning to India, Harbhajan started nobleness 1998–99 domestic season well, charming 3/54 and 5/39 in rest innings win over Services, at one time following up with 6/69 gift 1/93 in the next gala against Delhi, claiming his labour five-wicket innings haul.

He next took 6/63 and scored 31 in the first innings worm your way in a match for the Counter PResident's XI against a fraternize West Indies A, and was taken on the tour condemn New Zealand in December. Form a tour match against Inside Districts, Harbhajan struggled, aggregating 2/112. He only played in separate Test during the tour, ground went wicketless, conceding 72 runs.[citation needed] Upon returning to Bharat, he took a total encourage 3/158 for India A neat a match against the Pakistanis ahead of the Tests.

After being omitted for say publicly First Test lost in City, he was recalled for position latter two matches against Pakistan, and took five wickets scornfulness 34.60 as the matches were split.[citation needed] He then took 3/127 in a high-scoring be neck and neck against Sri Lanka. In please, he claimed 13 wickets file an average of 36.8 engage five Tests for the seasoned.

When he was free point toward international fixtures for the ready, he played in the Ranji Trophy matches, claiming 27 wickets at an average of 24.59 in five matches, including crown first five-wicket haul at standard level.[40] He also registered diadem maiden first-class fifty, scoring forceful unbeaten 67 against Tamil Nadu cricket team.[citation needed]

Harbhajan took yoke wickets at 33.00 during justness one-dayers during the season illustrious was overlooked for the ODI team for the whole time and missed selection for blue blood the gentry 1999 Cricket World Cup.[citation needed][41] In September 2003, he impressed for India A in straight one-day series against their Dweller counterparts in Los Angeles.

Harbhajan took eight wickets at 17.00 at 3.77 runs an fulfil in the five matches, strip off a best of 3/38.[citation needed]

After taking 4/91 against the proceed team for the Board President's XI at the start forged the season, Harbhajan managed come to get retain his Test position be glad about the late 1999 home pile against New Zealand, as Bharat fielded a three-pronged spin pounce upon on dusty tracks, taking shake up wickets at an average be the owner of 32.66 as the hosts prevailed 1–0 in the two Tests.[citation needed]

2001 Border-Gavaskar Trophy

With Kumble pained before the home series dense March 2001 against the stay Australians,[42] Harbhajan, whose previous chief Test figures were only 3/30, was the only capped shaper in the Indian team shield the First Test.[43] He locked away been recalled after captain Sourav Ganguly publicly called for crown inclusion in the team.

Bankruptcy was to lead the revolve attack against an Australian side which had set a earth record with 16 consecutive Highest victories, and was searching chaste its first series victory strongwilled Indian soil since 1969.[42][44] Spiky a warm-up match for Bharat A, Harbhajan had taken 2/63 and 3/81 against the tourists.[citation needed] Harbhajan started well show the First Test in City, taking three quick wickets referee a spell of 3/8, letter reduce Australia to 99/5 import response to India's first bout of 176.

However, a counter-attacking 197-runpartnership between Matthew Hayden with Adam Gilchrist in just 32 overs, saw Harbhajan concede 103 runs from his last 17 overs, to end with 4/121. Despite being struck for spend time at sixes into the crowd, check was still Harbhajan's best statistical analysis at Test level. Land eventually proceeded to a clampdown 10-wicket victory, their sixteenth uninterrupted Test victory in succession.[43][45][46] That test match has been hollered by many the greatest deviate has ever been played, din in light of the nature accord India's win under difficult circumstances.[47]

With leading paceman Javagal Srinath ruled out of the series pick a finger injury during representation First Test,[48] the teams decrease for the Second Test bring off Kolkata, with an even widen burden on Harbhajan.

Public be of the same opinion was skeptical about India's lead of stopping Australia's winning line, with former captain Bishan Bedi lamenting the demise of Soldier cricket.[49] Australia were again dainty control on the first generation, having scored 193/1, with Hayden having struck Harbhajan out a variety of the attack.

Harbhajan fought daze to reduce Australia to 252/7, taking five wickets in loftiness final session, including Ricky Ponting, Gilchrist and Shane Warne decline successive balls to become rendering first Indian to claim fine Test hat-trick.[50][45] After a protracted wait for the third udicator to adjudicate whether Sadagoppan Ramesh had managed to catch Warne before the ball hit rank ground, the near-capacity crowd imprecision Eden Gardens erupted when let go was given out.[51] Harbhajan one day finished with 7/123 as State were bowled out for 445.

India batted poorly and were forced to follow-on, but skilful 376-run partnership between V. Definitely. S. Laxman and Rahul Dravid, who batted together for representative entire day, allowed India serve set Australia an imposing refine of 384 to win allusion the final day. Australia exposed to be safely batting tea break the match for a court, until losing 7/56 in ethics final session, collapsing from 166/3 to be bowled out on the side of 212.

Harbhajan claimed four finance the wickets, to finish disconnect 6/73 for the innings skull a match tally of 13/196. India ended Australia's 16-match globe record winning streak, and became only the third team come to win a Test after personality forced to follow on (Australia having lost all three chastisement those matches).[45][52][53][54]

The teams arrived rotation Chennai for the deciding Bag Test, and Australia's batsmen homecoming seized control after winning position toss, reaching 340/3 on influence second morning.

Then, Australian leader Steve Waugh padded away unmixed delivery from Harbhajan. The employment spun back into Waugh's stumps, who pushed the ball trip with his glove, becoming solitary the sixth batsman in Tests to be given out "handled the ball".[55] Waugh's dismissal instigated another Australian batting collapse, loss 6 wickets for 51 runs to be bowled out target 391, with Harbhajan taking keep happy six in a spell flawless 6/26, to finish with 7/133.[56] After India's batsmen gained orderly first-innings lead of 110, goodness Australian batsmen were again inadequate to cope with Harbhajan flimsy the second innings, who took 8/84 to end with balance figures of 15/217.

India exposed to be heading for eminence easy victory at 101/2 etching 155, before losing 6/50 add up to be 151/8. Harbhajan walked pick up the crease, and struck ethics winning runs.[46][57]

He was named male of the match and squire of the series, having vacuous 32 wickets at 17.03 quandary the series,[45] when none dressingdown his teammates managed more pat three.[58] The Wisden 100 con conducted by Wisden in 2002 rated all four of Harbhajan's efforts in the Second near Third Tests in the vacate 100 bowling performances of convince time, the most for absurd bowler.[59] He paid tribute pick up his father, who had labour just six months earlier.[7][60] Climax performance led to him usurping Anil Kumble's position as India's first-choice spinner.[45]

Poor form and returning

Harbhajan's Test success saw him nearing to the ODI team back more than two years.

Subside was unable to reproduce wreath Test form against Australia, control only four wickets at tidy up average of 59.25 and restraint rate of 5.04. His clobber performance was a 3/37 be of advantage to a 118-run win in depiction third match, and a linocut batting performance of 46 runs from 34 balls, including twosome sixes, in a losing race chase in the fourth event.

He was dropped from magnanimity ODI team during a significant triangular tournament in Zimbabwe worry 2001 after only managing shine unsteadily wickets at 69.00 in quatern matches although he had antique economical at 3.63 runs key over.[citation needed] Harbhajan was besides unable to maintain his get out of bed in the Test series surface Zimbabwe.

Harbhajan began the outward appearance well with 13 wickets consign two warm-up matches, including neat match haul of 10/80 refuse to comply the CFX Academy, but could not repeat such performances fasten the Tests. He took octonary wickets at 29.12 in glory two-Test series, which was haggard 1–1, but did manage undertake post his first Test half-century, reaching 66 in the Supreme Test in Bulawayo, before marking 31 in the first turn of the Second Test importance the Indian batsmen struggled present-day ceded their series lead.

Birth Indians subsequently toured Sri Lanka in mid-2001, enjoying spinning wickets similar to those in Bharat. Harbhajan managed to establish personally in the ODI team meet eleven wickets at 21.18 fob watch the low economy rate advice 3.42 in seven matches pull the ODI tournament with excellence hosts and New Zealand. Ironically however, his best performances, observe which he conceded less best 30 runs in his compel overs three times, all on the brink in Indian defeats.[citation needed] False contrast to his ODI mending, Harbhajan's Test form deteriorated in mint condition, yielding only four wickets slate 73.00 in three Tests, stretch Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan was named man of greatness series with 23 wickets, knoll what was billed as a- contest between the world's deuce leading off-spinners.[1] With the Tests locked at 1–1 Harbhajan managed only 2/185 in the Base Test as the hosts amassed 6/610 declared and won uncongenial an innings.

He scored 79 runs at 15.80 for authority series.[citation needed]

Harbhajan was omitted escape the Indian team in courtesy of Kumble as the first-choice spinner on the following progress of South Africa, only completion in the later matches just as India fielded two spinners. On the contrary, Harbhajan continued to do spasm in the ODIs, taking ennead wickets at 20.44 in tremor matches at an economy fit of 3.53, winning his final man of the match confer in the ODI form knoll an ODI against South Continent in Bloemfontein after taking 3/27 from his ten overs.

No problem scored 62 runs at 15.50, including a rearguard 37 cruise was not enough to pitch an embarrassing 70-run loss taking place Kenya.[citation needed] After being left for the First Test, which India lost, his disciplinary load continued when he was memory of four Indian players fastidious and given a suspended singular match suspension for dissent essential attempting to intimidate the arbitrator by over-appealing in the Specially Test.[61] India managed to coax the match, but Harbhajan struggled and took 1/89 and 2/79.

The off spinner continued sovereign poor overseas Test form giving what would have been interpretation Third Test. However, India disconnected the ICC by playing illegitimate batsman Virender Sehwag, while Microphone Denness, the match referee who handed down the penalties, was locked out of the coliseum, so the match was undressed of Test status.

Harbhajan extended to be ineffective, taking inimitable 1/104, although he showed lustiness with the bat, scoring 29 and 30 when many give your blessing to batsmen failed, as India slumped to an innings defeat.[citation needed]

Harbhajan's Test fortunes improved immediately come up against the start of the 2001–02 international season in India.

Live in his first international parallel at his home ground guaranteed Mohali, Punjab, Harbhajan took stage figures of 7/110, including 5/51 in the first innings, strip help India win the Final Test by ten wickets destroy the touring English team. Loosen up continued his steady form here and there in the series with another fin wicket haul in the Shortly Test in Ahmedabad, to finish off with thirteen wickets at 24.53 for the series, although of course went wicketless in 27.1 square in the Third and in reply Test.

Harbhajan's good home kiln persisted in the Test matches against Zimbabwe, taking twelve wickets at 19.66 in two merrymaking. In the First Test, explicit took 4/46 in the more innings to seal an stint victory after going wicketless gauzy the second innings. His 2/70 and 6/62 in the Alternate Test in Delhi saw him named man of the peer in a Test for prestige second time in his duration.

As in the first point, he hit the winning runs, a straight-driven six, after Bharat had lost six wickets reprove threatened to collapse in hunt of a modest 122 complete victory.[62] He also performed with might and main in the ODIs during character Indian season, taking twenty wickets at 19.75 in ten matches and taking his first fivesome wicket haul in ODIs.[citation needed] In the five matches be drawn against England, he took ten wickets at 20.10 at an thrift rate of 4.27.

His outrun result was a 5/43 intimate the last of these matches, but a late collapse neutral the tourists a five-run win.[citation needed] He did better counter the Zimbabweans, taking 10 wickets in five matches at unsullied average of 19.40 and high-rise economy rate of 4.06. That included a 4/33 in nobleness final match.

He also scored 39 runs without defeat goods the series, including a 24 not out as India were skittled for 191 in double match.[citation needed] As Harbhajan was ensconced in the Indian band for the first team, filth only played in two Ranji Trophy matches for Punjab, delegation 13 wickets at 20.01 tell scoring 71 runs at 17.75.[citation needed]

Harbhajan's overseas difficulties returned by the tour of the Westbound Indies in mid-2002.

He aggrieved his shoulder while fielding creepycrawly a tour match in which he started well with a- total of 5/70,[citation needed] advocate was forced to miss integrity First Test in Guyana.[63] Sustenance taking only six wickets ignore 38 upon his return tip the team for the Subsequent and Third Tests, he was dropped for the Fourth Try out, but was recalled again in line for the Fifth Test at Sabina Park, after Kumble was injured.[64] Despite taking improved match tally of 8/180, including 5/138 inspect the first innings, Harbhajan was unable to prevent an Amerindian defeat after the batting immoral in the first innings.

Operate claimed three wickets in probity three match ODI series decompose 33.00, conceding 4.71 runs ready to go over.[citation needed]

Despite his performance move Sabina Park, Harbhajan was cast aside again when Kumble returned rag the First Test on glory tour to England at Lord's, where the hosts prevailed.

India's coach John Wright later avowed that Harbhajan's omission had antique a mistake.[65] Harbhajan returned characterise the final three Tests right moderate success, taking 12 wickets at 34.16, improving as rendering English summer wore on. Sustenance claiming 3/175 in the shiny Second Test, he struck play a part in the tour match despoil Essex, taking 7/83 and 1/23.

He then took 3/40 esoteric 1/56 as India levelled justness series in the Third Probation at Headingley, before taking 5/115 in the first innings tablets the Fourth Test at Grandeur Oval, as well as rule his second Test half-century as a result of 54 at Trent Bridge bond the Second Test.[citation needed] Put your feet up ended the series with 90 runs at 22.50.

for righteousness entire tour, Harbhajan aggregated 28 wickets at 27.60.[citation needed] Harbhajan had modest results in prestige Natwest Trophy. After being cast away after one wicketless match, let go was dropped and then took 4/46 against Sri Lanka integrate the last match before position final to ensure his honour, but went wicketless in grandeur decider, which India won.

Recognized played in three ODIs bid took four wickets at 37.25 at 4.96.[citation needed]

2002 Champions Trophy

The 2002 ICC Champions Trophy collect Sri Lanka at the uncontrolled of the tour brought calm results with six wickets delay 30.66 at an economy subsidiary of only 3.68,[citation needed] humbling a best of 3/27 steer clear of ten overs in the firstwashed out final against the congregation nation.[citation needed] Harbhajan helped running Sri Lanka to 5/244, on the contrary rain ended proceedings with Bharat at 0/14.

He then took 1/34 the next day before a replay of the last. This time the hosts strenuous 7/222 and a downpour anew thwarted the players, with Bharat at 1/38 when play was called off and the prize shared.[citation needed]

As was the travel case in the previous season, Harbhajan's return to Indian soil coincided with an improvement in prudent.

He took 1/37 and 7/48 in an innings victory take into account Mumbai in the First Set down against the West Indies, beginning then contributed match figures do in advance 3/56, 4/79 and 37 girder an eight-wicket victory in Metropolis which saw him named male of the match.[citation needed] Fastidious haul of 5/115 in grandeur Third Test at Calcutta was the best in a embellished scoring match, and with 20 wickets at 16.75 and 69 runs at 17.25, Harbhajan was named as the man be keen on the series.[citation needed] He was unable to transfer his dealings to the ODI format, legation only five wickets at 49.00 against the same team dispute an economy rate of 5.44.[citation needed] Harbhajan took only fivesome wickets at 18.80 in rank subsequent Test tour to Unique Zealand, in a series disc five pace bowlers averaged indispensable than 20 on green, seaming tracks.[66][67] India lost the additional room 2–0 and Harbhajan's 20 focus on 18 in the Second Directly amounted for more than 15% of India's match total.[citation needed] The off spinner then took 1/56 in one ODI formerly heading for his World Drink debut in South Africa.[citation needed]

2003 World Cup

Harbhajan had a hybrid tournament at the 2003 Cricket World Cup, taking 11 wickets at 30.45 with an saving rate of 3.92 in necessity matches.

He was the first-choice spinner and played in depreciation matches but one, being forlorn for the victory against arch-rivals Pakistan in the group theatre. His counterpart, Kumble, played demand only three matches.[citation needed][68] Harbhajan was steady throughout the match, never taking more than fold up wickets in a match, impressive never conceding more than 42 runs from his quota trip ten overs, except in integrity two matches against Australia, who went through the tournament after defeat.

In the group make even, Harbhajan was the second topmost score, with a counter-attacking 28 as India collapsed for Cardinal, but when it was sovereignty turn to bowl, the Australians attacked him and scored 49 runs from his 44 energy without losing a wicket behave a decisive nine-wicket win. Make a claim the final, Ganguly elected limit field and Harbhajan was justness only Indian bowler to take hold of a wicket, taking 2/49 propagate eight overs.

In contrast, goodness Australians scored at 7.38 runs per over from the another bowlers to reach 2/359, description highest total in a Earth Cup final, and win near 125 runs.[citation needed] He was the fourth leading wicket taker for India overall and queen tournament bowling average was not as good as than those of Zaheer Caravansary, Ashish Nehra and Javagal Srinath.[69] He finished the season deal six wickets at 14.00 certified 3.65 runs per over talk to three matches in an ODI tournament in Bangladesh, where misstep was fined for abusing put down umpire.[citation needed][70]

Finger injury

After experiencing diligence in his spinning finger fabric the World Cup, Harbhajan was scheduled to undergo surgery welcome mid-2003 in Australia,[71][72] but excellence surgery was delayed as inaccuracy sought to play through authority pain.[73] He underwent physiotherapy contain lieu of surgery and was declared fit for a two-match Test series at home be against New Zealand in late 2003.[74] His performance was substantially not as good as than his previous displays oxidization Indian soil, taking only sestet wickets at an average misplace 50.00 as both matches inhibited in high-scoring draws.

Aside wean away from his debut series, it was his worst series bowling haunt on Indian soil.[citation needed] Hatred a triangular ODI series anti New Zealand and Australia drop which he managed only team a few wickets at 40.50 in connect matches and spent time drain liquid from the sidelines, the Indian crew attempted to manage his damage rather than have his become operated on, and took him on the 2003–04 tour familiar Australia.

As with his antecedent visit four years earlier, Harbhajan had an unhappy time, deputation 2/159 in a tour uncertainty against Victoria.[citation needed] After protest ineffective 1/169 in the Principal Test at Brisbane, his hurt deteriorated and he underwent chief finger surgery, sidelining him be selected for a predicted five months.[75][76][77] Kumble replaced him and took 24 wickets in the remaining one Tests in strak contrast illustrate Harbhajan's struggles in Australia.

Kumble bowled India to victory bring into being the following Test against Pakistan in Multan, taking 6/71 make a distinction reclaim his position as position No. 1 spinner.[78]

After a seven-month layoff, Harbhajan returned to rebuke India in ODIs in birth Asia Cup in July 2004, where he took four wickets at 39.75 in four matches at 3.97 runs per glance at.

His performance improved on leadership tour to England for breath ODI series against England be first the 2004 ICC Champions Award, taking eight wickets at 14.00, conceding only 2.80 runs cease over, including 3/28 against England and 3/33 against Kenya cope with hitting as an unbeaten 41 against England at The Oviform as India's batting collapsed on hand a substantial defeat.[citation needed][citation needed]

Harbhajan made his Test return break the rules Australia, who were again search their first series win cut back Indian soil since 1969 train in the late 2004 home series.[79] Harbhajan took 5/146 in high-mindedness first innings and 6/78 look the second innings in inclusion to making a run distrustful to reduce Australia from 103/3 to 228 all out.

In the face this, India required 457 call in their second innings to carry all before one, slumping to 125/8 before Harbhajan (42) and Irfan Pathan helped India to reach 239 back a rearguard counter-attack, still copperplate 217-run loss.[80] Harbhajan was apparent effective in the drawn Without fear or favour Test in Chennai, with issue figures of 5/198, which was washed out with India on level pegging needing 210 more runs embark on the last day with brag ten wickets in hand.[citation needed] Harbhajan then withdrew from ethics Third Test in Nagpur advantage to illness.[81] Australia won authority match easily, clinching the series.[79] Harbhajan returned for the furthest back Test in Mumbai.

After true to take a wicket ready money the first innings, he conjectural 5/29 in the second disturb help India bowl Australia spotless for 93 and claim splendid dramatic 14-run victory.[82] Harbhajan dismayed the series with 21 wickets at 24.00 and 69 runs at 13.80.[citation needed]

A Test panel in India against South Continent followed, with Harbhajan taking duplicate figures of 4/166 in interpretation drawn First Test in Kanpur, before producing a man unconscious the match performance in character Second Test in Calcutta essay lead India to a 1–0 series win.

After taking 2/54 in the first innings, prohibited took 6/78 in the more, including South Africa's first fin batsman to help dismiss leadership tourists for 222. This dug in up a run-chase of 117, which India reached with portly wickets in hand.[83] Harbhajan was the leading wicket-taker for justness series, with 13 victims imitation an average of 23.61.[84] Bankruptcy ended 2004 with a numb tour of Bangladesh, scoring a-okay 47 in the Second Get in touch with and taking four wickets fate 41.75 in two Tests slab one wicket at 94 smash into an economy rate of 5.22 in two ODIs.[citation needed][citation needed] He had a relatively candlelight workload, bowling only 47.4 stop in the Tests, as Irfan Pathan frequently scythed through primacy Bangladeshi batsmen with the novel ball, taking three five opening hauls.[85] He then returned let your hair down India and took a of 6/172 in North Zone's seven-wicket win over South.[citation needed]

His performance in Bangladesh saw him dropped for the First Appraise in the early 2005 stack against Pakistan on his habitat ground in Mohali, with Kumble being the only spinner elected on the pace-friendly surface.[86] Bharat were in control of significance match for four days, take up needed only four wickets take away day five, but were inadequate to break the Pakistani lower-order until play was almost revise and the tourists had inane a lead, and the game ended in a draw.

Harbhajan was recalled for the Secondly Test in Calcutta and took match figures of 4/145 bolster an Indian victory. Despite attractive 6/152 in a marathon 51-over spell in the first period of the Third Test restrict Bangalore, Pakistan won the plane to level the series stern India collapsed on the terminating day. Harbhajan finished the leanto with 10 wickets at 33.20.[citation needed][citation needed] His performance dependably the subsequent ODI series was even worse, managing only leash wickets at 73.66 in cardinal matches at an economy exhibit of 4.80.[citation needed] In hatred of the poor end cope with the season, his performance modern the year since finger treatment in the long form marketplace the game saw him nominative for the 2005 ICC Nibble Player of the Year.[87] Harbhajan spent the international off-season carrying out for Surrey in English patch cricket, citing the improvement ditch other international players had gained from such an experience.

Present was his first stint bit county cricket, after a formed season at Lancashire in 2003 was cancelled due to injury.[88] After taking six wickets count on his opening two first-class dress, he struck form against County, taking 6/36 and 2/47 hold up an innings triumph. In equitable fourth and final first-class issue, against Gloucestershire, Harbhajan took adroit total of 6/193 and equalled his previous first-class best homework 84.

He ended with 20 wickets at 25.85 and 124 runs at 31.00.[citation needed] Top the Twenty20 competition, he abstruse less success in the additional format, taking four wickets fall back 38.00 at an economy distinguish of 6.60 in eight matches. In all he spent digit weeks with the county.[citation needed]

Chappell era

Harbhajan's first outings under fresh appointed coach Greg Chappell came at the Indian Oil Beaker in Sri Lanka in Honoured 2005.

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He took five wickets at 31.40, acquiescence 4.02 runs per over handset four matches, but was wicketless in the final, which was won by the host nation.[citation needed] This was followed lump a tour of Zimbabwe, which was marred by tension mid the new coach and Asian captain Ganguly.

This broke change the public arena when Ganguly claimed that he was purposely to resign as captain.[89] Harbhajan played in all five matches in the Videocon Tri-Series wide Zimbabwe and New Zealand tweak little success, managing only bend in half wickets at 99.00 at brainstorm economy rate of 4.77,[citation needed] both of them against small inexperienced Zimbabwe team crippled indifferent to a mass exodus of pale players from the Mugabe regulation.

Harbhajan had a quiet Highest series against Zimbabwe, taking sextet wickets at 31.00.[citation needed] Blooper was only required to move 58 overs,[citation needed] as blue blood the gentry majority of the Zimbabwean batsmen were removed after being not able to cope with Pathan's wield which was likened to "Frisbees at high speed", leaving tiny work for the spinners.[90] Grace managed to claim his Cc Test wicket in the Foremost Test, and in doing good became the second youngest theatrical to reach the mark subsequently Kapil Dev.[90] Harbhajan's batting was notable for an exceptionally bellicose 18-ball innings in the Regulate Test in Bulawayo, where unquestionable struck four fours and join sixes in a cameo session of 37.[91]

Harbhajan's difficulties were compounded when he earned the neglect of cricket authorities by in the open attacking Chappell and defending Ganguly after the team returned own India.[92] He claimed that Chappell had used "double standards" crucial instilled "fear and insecurity" sift the team.

The Punjab Cricket Association called him to affirm his actions,[93] but he was not punished after offering brainchild apology.[94] In early 2006, Harbhajan changed his stance publicly, obsequious Chappell for the team's preferably form, stating "He has unmodified knowledge about the game queue it has been a further successful year for us subordinate to him.

He has lifted outstanding team to great heights".[95]

Harbhajan was under pressure to perform during the time that Sri Lanka toured India pull late 2005 following his robbery on Chappell and the equal of Ganguly, who had again and again supported him during previous being difficulties, with new captain Rahul Dravid.

In addition, his residence ODI form had been bad in the previous three maturity, managing only 12 wickets jab 56 in 16 matches, fretfulness an economy rate of 4.8.[96] In the three Challenger Reward matches at the start mention the season, he took pentad wickets at 24.20 at key economy rate of 4.25.[citation needed] He responded by claiming 3/35 in the first ODI require Nagpur after Sri Lanka challenging raced to 50 in convincing 6.3 overs.

The Sri Lankan batsmen hit the Indian matter bowlers out of the set upon, scoring 74 runs in high-mindedness first 10 overs and forcing Dravid to delay the Laboriousness Play and introduce Harbhajan. That sparked a collapse, with 4 wickets taken for 14 runs, resulting in a 152-run Amerindic victory.[97] Harbhajan took 2/19 shamble the next match,[citation needed] current aggregated six wickets at 26 in the first four matches, at a low economy revitalize of 3.43, with a focus of performances noted for proficient variations in pace and track, helping India gain an blameless 4–0 series lead.[citation needed][96] Soil was subsequently rested for prestige fifth ODI, and ended rank series as the most unwasteful bowler, conceding only 3.62 runs per over.[98]

He put on recourse strong personal performance in magnanimity first ODI of the later series against South Africa show Hyderabad, where he struck bully aggressive unbeaten 37 from 17 balls, including two sixes, concurrence help India recover to 249/9, before taking 1/35 from monarch 10 overs.[99] He was unfit to prevent an Indian forfeiture, and was fined after desire Ashwell Prince to the porch after dismissing him.[100][101] Harbhajan over the series with five wickets at 27.40,[citation needed] and was again India's most economical chapeau, conceding 3.92 runs per over.[102]

The year ended with a match up Test series against Sri Lanka.

After the first match slash Chennai was washed out rough monsoonal rains,[103] Harbhajan took attack figures of 4/137 as Bharat took a 1–0 series celeb in Delhi.[citation needed] He reach the summit of the calendar year with tidy man of the match lend a hand in Ahmedabad, which saw Bharat seal a 2–0 series mastery with a 259 run hurt somebody's feelings.

He took 7/62 in class first innings, including six build up Sri Lanka's top eight batsmen. He precipitated a middle-order stuffing collapse, with 6 wickets sweeping continuous for 82 runs, which legal India to take a 193-run first innings lead. Harbhajan adjacent contributed an aggressive innings be unable to find 40 not out from 51 balls, in an unbroken 49-run final-wicket partnership with Kumble amplify the second innings, their post of unorthodox hitting stretching India's lead to 508 runs.[104] Queen prospects of a half c were cut short by neat as a pin declaration from acting captain Virender Sehwag, but he was remunerated with opening the bowling, whilst Sehwag employed a novel move of assigning the new glob to a spinner.[105] He took 3/79 to finish with double figures of 10/141, ending integrity year on a high keep details after he had been entangled in the leadership struggle unique three months earlier.[citation needed]

Test decline

2006 began with Harbhajan's first trip to arch-rivals Pakistan.

The Leading Test was a high grading draw held in Lahore, place Harbhajan recorded his worst habitually Test figures of 0/176, acquiescence more than five runs undecorated over in a match pivot 1,089 runs were scored quota the loss of just have a bearing wickets.[106] In a match play a part which many batting records prostrate, Harbhajan was hit for 27 runs in one over newborn Shahid Afridi, just one temporary of the world record.[107] Honourableness second Test in Faisalabad was another high scoring draw, discover the aggregate runs being decency fourth highest in Test life.

Harbhajan took 0/101 and 0/78. His 81 overs in justness series were the fourth greatest number of overs in prolific Test series without taking trig wicket.[108] When he was land-living the opportunity to make spellbind of the batting surface infringe India's only innings in Metropolis, he managed a brisk 38, including two sixes.[109] Harbhajan was dropped for the Third Bite in Karachi, where a verdant pitch promised to favour hint bowling, and Kumble was blue blood the gentry only spinner used.[110] After correlation an injury, Harbhajan was meander home during the subsequent ODI series without playing a point, ending his tour without alluring a wicket.[citation needed][111]

A return dare Indian soil for the Analysis series against England failed backing ease Harbhajan's wicket-taking difficulties.

Recognized managed match figures of 2/172 in the drawn First Drink in Nagpur, and 1/83 entertain the Second Test in Mohali, where his main contribution was to hit 36 runs, ration India to a first turn lead.[citation needed][112] Despite taking 3/89 and 2/40 in the Position Test in Mumbai, Harbhajan accomplished the series with eight wickets at an average of 48.00,[citation needed] nearly twice his existence average on Indian soil.[citation needed] Despite his difficulties in Bite cricket, Harbhajan's ODI form remained strong, as he top-scored familiarize yourself a rearguard 37 out remark 203 and then took 5/31 in a man of ethics match performance in the control ODI against England in City, sparking a collapse of 7/47 which secured a 39-run victory.[113][114] He ended the series do faster 12 wickets at 15.58 imprecision an economy rate of 3.74 from five matches, and lidded the wicket-taking list despite paper rested for the last replica, as well as having blue blood the gentry best bowling average and cutback rate.[115] India took the stack 5–1, Harbhajan taking 3/30 shrub border their only loss.[citation needed]

Harbhajan was unable to maintain his ODI form on the tour give an inkling of the West Indies, where illegal managed three wickets at 64 in five matches, although oversight continued to be economical, assent 3.91 runs per over.[citation needed] He was omitted from primacy Test team for the luck two Tests as India opted to use three pace bowlers and Anil Kumble, scrapping righteousness five bowler strategy used in that early 2006.[116] The reasons financial assistance the return to the four-man attack were unclear, with operation, fatigue and injury variously offered as explanations.[117] Harbhajan was with for the Third Test behave St Kitts after the speed attack was unable to throw out the West Indian batsmen, become infected with local captain Brian Lara stating that his team, who locked away three wickets in hand smack of the end of play, would have been lucky to cajole the Second Test had Harbhajan been playing.[118] In a reclusive match, Harbhajan claimed the important match figures of 6/186, rightfully well as contributing an winning new 38 in the first innings.[119] Harbhajan's 5/13 in 27 forcefulness in the first innings pressure the Fourth Test saw excellence hosts lose their last appal wickets for 23, to research India a 97 run leading innings lead.

India went spoil secure a victory in smashing low scoring match in four days and win the focus 1–0, although Harbhajan was admonished in the second innings, concession 65 runs in 16 playground without taking a wicket.[120] Chock was India's first series shake-up in the Caribbean in 35 years,[121] with Harbhajan contributing 11 wickets at 24.00.[citation needed]

The 2006–07 season began with the DLF Cup in Malaysia, where Harbhajan made a good start deceive the season, taking six wickets at 19.16 at an cost-cutting rate of 3.59 in quaternion matches.[citation needed] He was guy of the match against probity West Indies, scoring 37 join a 78-run partnership to added India to 162, before charming 3/35 to secure a 16-run victory.[122] India failed to aperture the final, contested by Land and the West Indies.

Harbhajan was unable to maintain her majesty form in the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy held in Bharat, managing only two wickets battle 51.50 and saving his beat performance of 0/49 in picture final group match against State on his home ground interpolate Punjab.[citation needed] India won matchless one of their three matches and were eliminated, although Harbhajan continued to be tidy, acquiescence 3.67 runs per over.[citation needed] The tour of South Continent in late 2006 saw plane less success, taking only individual wicket in three ODI matches while conceding 161 runs surprise victory the expensive economy rate comment 5.75.[citation needed] He finished decency year watching from the sidelines as India fielded Kumble by the same token the only spinner in leadership three Test series, which Bharat lost 2–1.[123] Apart from greatness injury hit 2003, it was Harbhajan's least productive year assume Test cricket since he became a regular team member sentence 2001, managing only 19 wickets at 52.78.[citation needed]

Harbhajan returned untainted the early 2007 ODI convoy against the West Indies tube Sri Lanka in India, winning seven wickets at 36.00 bit seven matches at an conservatism rate of 4.27.[citation needed] Neglect criticism that he was frightened to toss the ball turn out to be, and was concentrating on bowling flat in a defensive run-saving style,[124] Harbhajan was selected little the off spin bowler implement the Indian squad for goodness 2007 Cricket World Cup, for ages c in depth Ramesh Powar, who had archaic more expensive but had in use more wickets in recent present, was omitted.[125][126] A statistical glance at showed that since the set in motion of 2006, Harbhajan has antiquated the second most economical hat in the final 10 playing field of ODIs.[127]

During the 2007 Cricket World Cup, Harbhajan started rightfully India's first-choice spinner and specious in their first match break the rules Bangladesh.

He took 0/30 running away his ten overs, but Bharat lost the match as their batsmen collapsed and Bangladesh difficult to understand no need to take contemplation against the bowling.[citation needed] Harbhajan was dropped in favour have available Kumble for the second go into battle against Bermuda, which India won easily.

Harbhajan was recalled supporting the final group match side Sri Lanka, and had minor effect, taking 0/53 from surmount ten overs as India were set 255 for victory. Harbhajan made an unbeaten 17 kind India collapsed to 185 go to see lose the match and embryonic eliminated in the group phase.[citation needed][128] Following the failed movement, the Indian selectors made twofold changes to the national group and Harbhajan was dropped help out the tours of Bangladesh allow England.

Rajesh Pawar, Piyush Chawla and Powar were the spinners selected to partner Kumble.[129] Harbhajan's waning wicket-taking and his insufficiency of flight were again apparent to be the cause fortify his problems.[124][126]

In the meantime, Harbhajan played in two ODIs target the Asian Cricket Council dispute a combined African team, engaging 1/53 and 3/48 as ethics Asians won both matches.[citation needed] He then returned to County for a second season break into county cricket in an have a shot to rediscover his form in detail his compatriots were touring England, staying throughout July and Esteemed.

After easing into the period with six wickets in nobleness first two first-class matches, Harbhajan found a rich vein reminisce form, taking 4/64 and 5/64 against Worcestershire, before following put up with 5/34 and 6/57 conflicting Kent, finishing off by do 29 to help guide County home by four wickets equate they had stumbled in race 1 of 107.[citation needed] He dismayed the first-class campaign with quintuplet and six wickets against Shorthorn and