Watch: Rahul Dravid And Virat Kohli Wish Harbhajan Singh On A Phenomenal India Career

Harbhajan Singh’s former teammates Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli spoke at great length about the endearing cricketer in a video shared by BCCI after the ‘Turbanator’ decided to announce his retirement from all forms of cricket after 23 long years.

The 41-year-old from Jalandhar made his India Test debut in 1998 against Australia just when Rahul Dravid was also cementing his place in the Indian team and two of them saw great ups and downs during the courses of their respective careers. Dravid also captained Harbhajan, after Sourav Ganguly lost his India captaincy in 2005.

Currently in South Africa with the Indian team, head coach Rahul Dravid was all praises for his former India teammate.

“A big congratulations to Bhajji on his absolutely phenomenal career. Remember seeing him as a young 18-year-old in the nets in Mohali. Just looking at him, you would know that you were looking at a really good talent but what he has really achieved is absolutely phenomenal,” said Rahul Dravid in a video posted on BCCI TV.

“His career had its share of ups and downs and he faced many challenges but he always came out fighting and smiling. A great competitor, a great team man and someone you always want to go and battle with. A great performer for India to take over 400 wickets. Pleasure and privileged to have the opportunity to play with him. The highlight of Bhajji’s career would be the Australia series where he took 32 wickets and just to see the way he came back, as he was dropped from the team and the way he performed in the absence of Anil Kumble is phenomenal. All the best to him for life,” he added.

Harbhajan retires after scalping 417 wickets in 103 Tests at an average of 32.46. The 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 World Cup winner is also the first Indian to scalp a Test hat-trick.

711 International Wickets Is No Mean Feat: Virat Kohli Congratulates Harbhajan Singh

Apart from Rahul Dravid, India Test captain Virat Kohli also congratulated the spinner and gave him good best wishes for his life ahead.

“Bhajji Paa, big congratulations for a wonderful career. 711 international wickets is no mean feat and I think you can be very proud of that achievement. It’s a blessing to represent your country but being able to perform for that long with so many wickets, it’s a completely different thing. I hope you are blessed with happiness and peace and spend a lot of time with family,” said Virat Kohli.

Watch the video here:

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Harbhajan played his last red-ball match against Sri Lanka in 2015 while his last ODI was against South Africa in the same year. His last game for India was a T20I against UAE in the 2016 Asia Cup.

Also Read: Yes, I Want To Give Back To The Society: Harbhajan Singh Gives His Thoughts On Joining Politics