Harbhajan Singh Could Have Easily Taken 700 Test Wicket: Saqlain Mushtaq
Published - 27 Apr 2020, 03:28 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:05 AM
Harbhajan Singh, the former Indian off-spinner is one of the biggest match-winners that the country has produced in its history. A veteran of 103 Tests, Harbhajan is the third-highest wicket-taker (417) for the Men in Blue, behind Anil Kumble and Kapil Dev and 13th in the list of all-time leading wicket-takers in the world.
Having made his debut back in 1998, Harbhajan went on to torment batsman around the world courtesy his precocious skills and guile and was one-half of possibly one of the greatest spin-bowling pairs of all time, alongside Anil Kumble.
Harbhajan hasn’t played a Test match for India since 2015. The turbanator went out of favor post the 2011 World Cup and though he did make a few comebacks, his form was no way near to what it was back in the 2000s.
Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has reckoned that such was the class and quality of Harbhajan that he should have ended up with 700 Test wickets.
Harbhajan Singh and Ravi Ashwin could have easily played together- Saqlain Mushtaq
Mushtaq also expressed bewilderment at the fact that Bhajji was dropped from the Indian team as he felt that both Ashwin and Harbhajan could have been a real force while playing in tandem.
“In fact, I was surprised when a great like Bhajji was dropped. Both Ashwin and Bhajji have different styles and could have easily played together in the playing eleven. If two right-hand pacers can play regularly, why not spinners? Such was Bhajji’s class that he could have easily taken 700 Test wickets.” Saqlain Mushtaq told the Press Trust of India (PTI).
When asked about the quality of Indian spinners, Mushtaq heaped high praise on the current lot while also mentioning that he is pretty confident that both Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will end up playing 100 Tests for India.
“The spinners you (India) have are pretty good actually. Kuldeep (Yadav) has been impressive, Ashwin and (Ravindra) Jadeja have been doing well consistently. They are world-class bowlers. I am pretty confident that Ashwin and Jadeja will end up playing 100 Tests each.” Mushtaq added.
Coming back to Harbhajan Singh, the off-spinners greatest moment in International cricket has got to be the 2001 Test series against Australia where he spearheaded India’s bowling attack and claimed 32 of the 60 Australian wickets which also included a hat-trick at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Read: Harbhajan Singh Reckons Ricky Ponting Used To Get Out Just By Looking At His Face
