Twitter Reacts As Harbhajan Singh Decides To Call It Quits From All Forms Of Cricket

Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Friday. The 41-year-old last played for the Men in Blue in a T20I against United Arab Emirates (UAE) on March 4, 2016.

Although he continued playing franchise cricket, he could not find a spot in the Indian national team again. Nevertheless, the offie’s records in ODIs and Tests are ones to be proud of.

Having played 103 Tests, Harbhajan picked up a total of 417 wickets at an average of 32.46, including a career-best of 8/84 in an innings and 15/217 in a match. In 236 ODIs, he took 269 wickets with a best of 5/31. His overall tally of 707 wickets is the second-highest for India behind Anil Kumble‘s 953 scalps.

“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,” Harbhajan said.

With that, the curtains fell on a 23-year-long career filled with joy and sorrows for the champion bowler. Even with the bat, Harbhajan has had stellar contributions, including two centuries – both coming against New Zealand in home matches.

“It has been a beautiful journey over 25 years, right from the gullies of Jalandhar to becoming the Turbanator of India. Nothing has been more motivating for me than stepping out on the field while wearing the India jersey.“

“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,” Harbhajan added.

Harbhajan made it clear that he plans to take a role in the Indian cricket scene if he is offered one. However, there is nothing written in stone as of yet in terms of his future plans.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to Harbhajan Singh’s retirement:

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A<!----> <!---->l<!---->e<!---->g<!---->e<!---->n<!---->d<!----> <!---->o<!---->f<!----> <!---->t<!---->h<!---->e<!----> <!---->g<!---->a<!---->m<!---->e<!----> <!---->a<!---->n<!---->d<!----> <!---->a<!----> <!---->m<!---->a<!---->t<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->w<!---->i<!---->n<!---->n<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->f<!---->o<!---->r<!----> <!---->o<!---->u<!---->r<!----> <!---->c<!---->o<!---->u<!---->n<!---->t<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->?<!---->?<!----> <!---->T<!---->h<!---->a<!---->n<!---->k<!----> <!---->y<!---->o<!---->u<!----> <!---->H<!---->a<!---->r<!---->b<!---->h<!---->a<!---->j<!---->a<!---->n<!----> <!---->P<!---->a<!---->a<!---->j<!---->i<!----> <!---->f<!---->o<!---->r<!----> <!---->y<!---->o<!---->u<!---->r<!----> <!---->g<!---->u<!---->i<!---->d<!---->a<!---->n<!---->c<!---->e<!----> <!---->a<!---->n<!---->d<!----> <!---->h<!---->e<!---->l<!---->p<!---->i<!---->n<!---->g<!----> <!---->m<!---->e<!----> <!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->h<!----> <!---->m<!---->y<!----> <!---->g<!---->a<!---->m<!---->e<!---->.<!----> <!---->Y<!---->o<!---->u<!----> <!---->w<!---->i<!---->l<!---->l<!----> <!---->b<!---->e<!----> <!---->m<!---->i<!---->s<!---->s<!---->e<!---->d<!---->.<!----> <!---->B<!---->e<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->w<!---->i<!---->s<!---->h<!---->e<!---->s<!----> <!---->?

<!---->V<!---->i<!---->e<!---->w<!----> <!---->a<!---->t<!---->t<!---->a<!---->c<!---->h<!---->e<!---->d<!----> <!---->m<!---->e<!---->d<!---->i<!---->a<!----> <!---->c<!---->o<!---->n<!---->t<!---->e<!---->n<!---->t<!---->

– K<!---->u<!---->l<!---->d<!---->e<!---->e<!---->p<!----> <!---->Y<!---->a<!---->d<!---->a<!---->v<!----> <!---->(<!---->@<!---->i<!---->m<!---->k<!---->u<!---->l<!---->d<!---->e<!---->e<!---->p<!---->1<!---->8<!---->) 24 Dec 2021

One of the finest to represent ?? who won so many games for the nation. Best wishes Bhajju Paa on your retirement. ? @<!---->h<!---->a<!---->r<!---->b<!---->h<!---->a<!---->j<!---->a<!---->n<!---->_<!---->s<!---->i<!---->n<!---->g<!---->h

— Umesh Yaadav (@y_umesh) D<!---->e<!---->c<!---->e<!---->m<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->2<!---->4<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Bhajju Pa with 711 international wickets has been a legend but he was always been a very humble teammate and inspiration for all the boys who came from the small towns. I am sure your new innings will be as rocking!@harbhajan_singh #<!---->h<!---->a<!---->r<!---->b<!---->h<!---->a<!---->j<!---->a<!---->n<!---->s<!---->i<!---->n<!---->g<!---->h #<!---->B<!---->h<!---->a<!---->j<!---->j p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->S<!---->O<!---->l<!---->R<!---->r<!---->r<!---->R<!---->v<!---->X<!---->M

— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) D<!---->e<!---->c<!---->e<!---->m<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->2<!---->4<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

More than a truly great player, Bhajju Pa was always a big brother for all the juniors. @<!---->h<!---->a<!---->r<!---->b<!---->h<!---->a<!---->j<!---->a<!---->n<!---->_<!---->s<!---->i<!---->n<!---->g<!---->h would make us laugh all the time and was someone who always made the dressing room like our home. Best wishes in your new innings. #<!---->h<!---->a<!---->r<!---->b<!---->h<!---->a<!---->j<!---->a<!---->n<!---->s<!---->i<!---->n<!---->g<!---->h p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->8<!---->a<!---->N<!---->h<!---->O<!---->Y<!---->v<!---->F<!---->D<!---->W

— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) D<!---->e<!---->c<!---->e<!---->m<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->2<!---->4<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Bless brother ??? h<!---->t<!---->t<!---->p<!---->s<!---->:<!---->/<!---->/<!---->t<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->/<!---->r<!---->0<!---->O<!---->4<!---->Z<!---->W<!---->Q<!---->a<!---->X<!---->e

— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) D<!---->e<!---->c<!---->e<!---->m<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->2<!---->4<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Hearty congratulations to my great mate @<!---->h<!---->a<!---->r<!---->b<!---->h<!---->a<!---->j<!---->a<!---->n<!---->_<!---->s<!---->i<!---->n<!---->g<!---->h on a remarkable career! A tremendous exponent of off-spin, a gifted batsman and a true competitor who fashioned many a wonderful Indian victory. Best wishes for the future, Bhajji, go well! p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->x<!---->E<!---->M<!---->T<!---->p<!---->G<!---->B<!---->r<!---->u<!---->3

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) D<!---->e<!---->c<!---->e<!---->m<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->2<!---->4<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Congratulations bhajju pa on a splendid career, something that the entire country is proud of. Wishing you the best for the future endeavours. Also a big thank you for being an inspiration to many budding young spinners. God bless you and the family!

— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) D<!---->e<!---->c<!---->e<!---->m<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->2<!---->4<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

A player who gave it his all and never backed down from a challenge. Congratulations on a wonderful career @<!---->h<!---->a<!---->r<!---->b<!---->h<!---->a<!---->j<!---->a<!---->n<!---->_<!---->s<!---->i<!---->n<!---->g<!---->h Paaji. You will be missed. I wish you the very best in your future endeavours. ?

— Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) D<!---->e<!---->c<!---->e<!---->m<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->2<!---->4<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Congratulations on a wonderful career Pajhi ? Your contribution to cricket has been immense and it was a pleasure to play alongside you ? Enjoyed our great moments together on and off the field. Wishing you luck for your next innings @<!---->h<!---->a<!---->r<!---->b<!---->h<!---->a<!---->j<!---->a<!---->n<!---->_<!---->s<!---->i<!---->n<!---->g<!---->h p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->C<!---->R<!---->t<!---->x<!---->g<!---->h<!---->z<!---->Y<!---->L<!---->v

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) D<!---->e<!---->c<!---->e<!---->m<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->2<!---->4<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

What a great career @<!---->h<!---->a<!---->r<!---->b<!---->h<!---->a<!---->j<!---->a<!---->n<!---->_<!---->s<!---->i<!---->n<!---->g<!---->h. Wonderful to see you flower from a slim, young, talented cricketer to a match-winner. Wish you lots of happiness and satisfaction. You gave your family so much to be proud of h<!---->t<!---->t<!---->p<!---->s<!---->:<!---->/<!---->/<!---->t<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->/<!---->Q<!---->s<!---->M<!---->j<!---->X<!---->5<!---->e<!---->y<!---->m<!---->D

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) D<!---->e<!---->c<!---->e<!---->m<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->2<!---->4<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Many congratulations bajju pa @<!---->h<!---->a<!---->r<!---->b<!---->h<!---->a<!---->j<!---->a<!---->n<!---->_<!---->s<!---->i<!---->n<!---->g<!---->h on a fantastic career. Your contribution to cricket has been immense and it was such a pleasure to play alongside you. I wish you all the best for all your future endeavours. God bless. p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->t<!---->H<!---->W<!---->x<!---->U<!---->F<!---->I<!---->U<!---->z<!---->u

— Amit Mishra (@MishiAmit) D<!---->e<!---->c<!---->e<!---->m<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->2<!---->4<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Happy Retirement brother @<!---->h<!---->a<!---->r<!---->b<!---->h<!---->a<!---->j<!---->a<!---->n<!---->_<!---->s<!---->i<!---->n<!---->g<!---->h You have been an absolute legend. Always loved your aggression on the field. It was pleasure playing for India alongside you. My favourite memory of us is winning the world t20 and VB series for India ! p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->y<!---->Z<!---->0<!---->p<!---->E<!---->3<!---->W<!---->E<!---->e<!---->L

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) D<!---->e<!---->c<!---->e<!---->m<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->2<!---->4<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Those who say cricket is becoming a batsman’s game should look at your career. You’re a true superstar @<!---->h<!---->a<!---->r<!---->b<!---->h<!---->a<!---->j<!---->a<!---->n<!---->_<!---->s<!---->i<!---->n<!---->g<!---->h! ?? p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->L<!---->k<!---->L<!---->y<!---->w<!---->l<!---->F<!---->G<!---->k<!---->O

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) D<!---->e<!---->c<!---->e<!---->m<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->2<!---->4<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Your contribution to Indian cricket will always be cherished , @<!---->h<!---->a<!---->r<!---->b<!---->h<!---->a<!---->j<!---->a<!---->n<!---->_<!---->s<!---->i<!---->n<!---->g<!---->h paaji wishing you all the best for your future ??? h<!---->t<!---->t<!---->p<!---->s<!---->:<!---->/<!---->/<!---->t<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->/<!---->Q<!---->r<!---->y<!---->q<!---->Q<!---->d<!---->3<!---->5<!---->5<!---->7

— Suresh Raina?? (@ImRaina) D<!---->e<!---->c<!---->e<!---->m<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->2<!---->4<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

What a great career @<!---->h<!---->a<!---->r<!---->b<!---->h<!---->a<!---->j<!---->a<!---->n<!---->_<!---->s<!---->i<!---->n<!---->g<!---->h. Wonderful to see you flower from a slim, young, talented cricketer to a match-winner. Wish you lots of happiness and satisfaction. You gave your family so much to be proud of h<!---->t<!---->t<!---->p<!---->s<!---->:<!---->/<!---->/<!---->t<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->/<!---->Q<!---->s<!---->M<!---->j<!---->X<!---->5<!---->e<!---->y<!---->m<!---->D

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) D<!---->e<!---->c<!---->e<!---->m<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->2<!---->4<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Congratulations @<!---->h<!---->a<!---->r<!---->b<!---->h<!---->a<!---->j<!---->a<!---->n<!---->_<!---->s<!---->i<!---->n<!---->g<!---->h for a wonderful career. I remember as a kid watching you take that hattrick against Australia in 2001. Thank you for the great memories Bhajji paa. I wish you best for the journey ahead.

— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) D<!---->e<!---->c<!---->e<!---->m<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->2<!---->4<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Turbanator forever. ❤️ #<!---->h<!---->a<!---->r<!---->b<!---->h<!---->a<!---->j<!---->a<!---->n<!---->s<!---->i<!---->n<!---->g<!---->h p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->i<!---->i<!---->Z<!---->r<!---->y<!---->e<!---->R<!---->Q<!---->M<!---->H

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) D<!---->e<!---->c<!---->e<!---->m<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->2<!---->4<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

One of the finest in world cricket !! You have been a phenomenal achiever for Indian cricket ??, wishing you the very best going forward @<!---->h<!---->a<!---->r<!---->b<!---->h<!---->a<!---->j<!---->a<!---->n<!---->_<!---->s<!---->i<!---->n<!---->g<!---->h h<!---->t<!---->t<!---->p<!---->s<!---->:<!---->/<!---->/<!---->t<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->/<!---->O<!---->G<!---->3<!---->K<!---->m<!---->i<!---->8<!---->K<!---->B<!---->A

— Mithun Manhas!! (@MithunManhas) D<!---->e<!---->c<!---->e<!---->m<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->2<!---->4<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Congratulations Bhajji paa on an amazing career. Thank you for always supporting me like a big brother. Best wishes for the future @<!---->h<!---->a<!---->r<!---->b<!---->h<!---->a<!---->j<!---->a<!---->n<!---->_<!---->s<!---->i<!---->n<!---->g<!---->h paaji ? p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->L<!---->u<!---->h<!---->2<!---->b<!---->6<!---->O<!---->k<!---->v<!---->a

— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) D<!---->e<!---->c<!---->e<!---->m<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->2<!---->4<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

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