Harbhajan Singh announces retirement from all forms of cricket

One of the brightest stars in Indian cricket, Harbhajan Singh, one of India’s rare gems announced retirement from all forms of cricket to put an end to a bedecked and prolonged career.

Harbhajan took to Twitter with a video of his own where he was seen announcing his retirement. He also clarified the fact that the retirement was already in motion. Only due to his prior engagement with Kolkata Knight Riders, he kept the announcement on hold until now.

He was heard quoting, “There comes a time in your life when you must take some tough decisions and move ahead. I have been meaning to make this announcement for the last few years, but I was waiting for the right moment to share it with all of you: today, I am retiring from all formats of cricket. In many ways, I had already retired as a cricketer, but hadn't been able to make a formal announcement.”

He also cited, “I haven't been an active cricketer for a while. But I had a commitment to Kolkata Knight Riders and wanted to spend the (2021) IPL season with them. But during the season itself, I had made up my mind to retire."

Harbhajan made his international debut in 1998 in a Test match against Australia in Bengaluru, claiming a brace in an eight-wicket defeat. He was a part of 103 Test matches where he picked 417 wickets, 236 ODIs from which he claimed 269 scalps and 28 T20I outings from which he claimed 25 wickets.

He added, “Like every [Indian] cricketer, even I wished to bid goodbye in an India jersey, but fate had something else in store for me. Irrespective of the side I represented, I have always given my 100% commitment to ensure my team finishes on top - whether it was India, Punjab, Mumbai Indians, CSK [Chennai Super Kings], KKR or the county teams of Surrey and Essex."

When asked about the highlight of his career, he quoted, “If you ask me about my cricket career, my first real happiness was the hat-trick I took in Kolkata, becoming the first Indian bowler to do so in a Test match. I also got 32 wickets in the three Tests in that series, which is still a record," he said. "Following this, the T20 World Cup win 2007 and the [ODI] World Cup win in 2011 were most important for me. Those were moments that I can neither forget nor express in words as to how big that happiness was for me."

He concluded by saying, “Cricket was, is and will always be an important part of my life. I have served Indian cricket for years and will continue to strive to serve them in the future. I have no idea about the future, but whatever I am today is because of cricket. I will be immensely happy if I can be of help to Indian cricket in any role in the future. Now I begin a new chapter in my life, which starts with its own challenges. Believe me, your Turbanator is ready for the examination! Just keep showering your love on me."