Harbhajan Singh pronunciation (help· info) (Punjabi: ਹਰਭਜਨ ਸਿੰਘ, born: 3 July 1980 in Jalandhar, Punjab, India) is an Indian cricketer and India's most successful off spin bowler. Image File history File links Harbhajan_Singh. ... Punjabi (also Panjabi; in GurmukhÄ«, in ShāhmukhÄ«, in transliteration) is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by the Punjabi people in India, Pakistan and other parts of the world. ... July 3 is the 184th day of the year (185th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 181 days remaining. ... Year 1980 (MCMLXXX) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar). ... For the Jalandhar meteorite of 1621, see meteorite falls. ... This article details the Indian state of Punjab. ... Bowler Shaun Pollock bowls to batsman Michael Hussey. ... Off spin is a type of bowling in the sport of cricket which is bowled by an off spinner, a right-handed spin bowler who uses his or her fingers to spin the ball from a right-handed batsmans off side to the leg side (that is, towards the... Darren Gough bowling In the sport of cricket, bowling is the action of propelling the ball toward the wicket defended by a batsman. ...

Harbhajan made his Test and One-Day International (ODI) debuts in early 1998. His career was initially beset by investigations into the legality of his bowling action and disciplinary incidents that raised the ire of cricket authorities. However in 2001, with leading leg spinner Anil Kumble injured, Harbhajan's career was resuscitated after Indian captain Sourav Ganguly called for his inclusion in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy team. In that series victory over Australia, Harbhajan established himself as the team's leading spinner by taking 32 wickets and becoming the first Indian bowler to take a hat trick in Test cricket.^[1] A Test match in progress. ... One-day International (ODI) is a form of cricket, which is played over 50 overs per side between two national cricket teams. ... The laws of cricket are a set of rules framed by the Marylebone Cricket Club which serve to standardise the format of cricket matches across the world to ensure uniformity and fairness. ... Animation of a leg break. ... Anil Kumble(Kannada:ಅನಿಲ್‌ ಕುಂಬ್ಳೆ)   (born 17 October 1970 in Bangalore, Karnataka) is an Indian cricketer and has been a member of the Indian cricket team since 1990. ... This is a list of all men, boys and women who have captained an Indian national cricket team at official international level. ... Sourav Chandidas Ganguly ( ) (the first name occasionally spelt Saurav) also known as Dada is an Indian cricketer. ... For more coverage of cricket, go to the Cricket portal. ... M*A*S*H, see Sticky Wicket (M*A*S*H episode). ... A hat-trick in sports is associated with succeeding at anything three times in three consecutive attempts. ...

A finger injury in mid 2003 sidelined him for much of the following year, allowing Kumble to regain his position as the first choice spinner. Harbhajan reclaimed a regular position in the team upon his return in late 2004, but often found himself watching from the sidelines in Test matches outside the Indian subcontinent with typically only one spinner, Kumble, being used. Despite unremarkable Test performances in 2006, which led to speculation about his lack of loop and his waning value as a strike bowler, he remains India's first-choice ODI spinner. Spin bowling, sometimes known as slow bowling, is a technique used for bowling in the sport of cricket. ... Map of South Asia (see note) This article deals with the geophysical region in Asia. ...

Early years and personal life

Harbhajan was born into a middle class Punjabi family, the only son of businessman Sardar Sardev Singh, who owned a ball bearing and valve factory.^[2][3] Growing up with five sisters, he was in line to inherit the family business, but his father insisted that he concentrate on his cricket career and represent India.^[3] The middle class (or middle classes) comprises a social group once defined by exception as an intermediate social class between the nobility and the peasantry. ... Punjabi (also Panjabi; in Gurmukhī, Panjābī in Shāhmukhī) is the language of the Punjab regions of India and Pakistan. ... A 4 point contact ball bearing A ball bearing is a common type of rolling-element bearing, a kind of bearing. ... These water valves are regulated by handles. ...

Harbhajan was trained as a batsman by his first coach Charanjit Singh Bullar, but converted to spin bowling after his coach's untimely death saw him turn to the tutelage of Davinder Arora. Arora credits Harbhajan's success to a work ethic that included a three hour training session in the morning, followed by another in the afternoon lasting from 3pm until after sunset, using the headlights of a parked scooter to provide light.^[3] Warwickshire batsman Mike Powell A batsman in the sport of cricket is, depending on context: Any player in the act of batting. ...

Following the death of his father in 2000, Harbhajan became the family head, and as of 2001, had organised marriages for three of his sisters.^[2] In 2002, he ruled out his own marriage until at least 2008.^[4] In 2005, he again fended off marriage rumours linking him to a Bangalore based bride, stating that he would only make a decision "after a couple of years", and that he would be seeking a Punjabi bride selected by his family.^[5] , Bangalore (proposed to be renamed Bengaluru) (Kannada: ; pronunciation: in Kannada and in English) is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. ... Punjabi (also Panjabi; in Gurmukhī, Panjābī in Shāhmukhī) is the language of the Punjab regions of India and Pakistan. ...

In a country where cricketers are idolised, Harbhajan's performances have brought him government accolades and lucrative sponsorships. Following his performance against Australia in 2001, the Government of Punjab awarded him Rs. 5 lakh, a plot of land, and an offer to become an honorary Deputy Superintendent of Punjab Police, which he declined.^[2] Harbhajan is also an employee of Indian Airlines, for whom he does promotions.^[6] ... ISO 4217 Code INR User(s) India Inflation 5. ... A lakh (Hindi: लाख, Urdu: Ù„Ú©Ú¾, Bengali: , Tamil : இலட்சம்) is a unit in the Indian numbering system, widely used both in official and other contexts in Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. ... The logo used while the company was called Indian Airlines Executive class cabin of an Indian Airbus A320 Indian Airlines, Limited or Indian (Hindi: ) is Indias state owned primarily domestic airline, under the federal Union Ministry of Civil Aviation and based in New Delhi. ...

Somewhat ironically, after being offered an honorary post with the police, Harbhajan sustained minor injuries in March 2002 in an altercation with police outside the team hotel in Guwahati. The scuffle broke out when Harbhajan remonstrated with police officers after they refused to allow a photographer into the hotel. Harbhajan was struck by the police, cutting his bowling arm and injuring his elbow. Extensive negotiations from local officials and organisers were required to dissuade Harbhajan and captain Sourav Ganguly from leaving the area after Ganguly said that the Indian team would abandon the scheduled match against Zimbabwe.^[7] Guwahati   (Assamese: গুৱাহাটী) is a major city in eastern India, often considered as the gateway to the North-East Region (NER) of the country and is the largest city within the region. ... Sourav Chandidas Ganguly ( ) (the first name occasionally spelt Saurav) also known as Dada is an Indian cricketer. ...

Harbhajan as he appeared in the Royal Stag advertisement.

One of his common nicknames, outside India, is The Turbanator, deriving from his skill as a bowler in terminating the innings of the opposing team, and the fact that, as a Sikh, he wears a black turban whenever he plays.^[8] Among Indians, Harbhajan is more commonly known as bhajji.^[3] It was estimated in 2005 that Harbhajan was the most recognised and commercially viable Indian cricketer after Sachin Tendulkar, in part due to his colourful personality and iconic turban, as well as his reputation for enjoying the celebrity social scene.^[9] His signing for English county team Surrey in 2005, based at The Oval in London, was partly attributed to his marketability. Harbhajan had generated a large personal following in the western London suburb of Southall, which boasts a majority Punjabi Sikh population, when he lived there in 1998 whilst training under Fred Titmus.^[9] Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Religions Sikhism Scriptures Guru Granth Sahib Languages English, Punjabi and Hindi A Sikh( or ; Punjabi: , , IPA: ) is an adherent to Sikhism. ... A Sikh man wearing a turban The turban (from the Persian , dulband via the Turkish ) is a headdress consisting of a long scarf-like single piece of cloth wound round the head or an inner hat. ... Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar   (Marathi: सचिन तेंडुलकर; born 24 April 1973) is a current Indian cricketer who was rated by Wisden (2002) as the second greatest Test batsman ever[1] after Sir Don Bradman. ... In the UK, County cricket is the domestic form of the sport of cricket that is considered to be first-class cricket. ... Surrey County Cricket Club (SCCC) is an English first-class cricket team, based at The Oval cricket ground in south London. ... The famous gasometers, which are now listed buildings. ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ... Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Southall, UK. Southall Broadway, November 2005 Glassy Junction pub, November 2005 For people named Southall, see Southall (surname) Southall (Middlesex) is a London suburb in the London Borough of Ealing. ... // Overview Frederick John Titmus (born November 24, 1932 in Kentish Town, London) was an English cricketer whose first-class career spanned five decades. ...

In 2006, Harbhajan's endorsements generated controversy when he appeared without his turban in an advertisement for Royal Stag whisky. This angered many orthodox Sikhs, leading to anti-Harbhajan protests in the Sikh holy city of Amritsar, with effigies of Harbhajan being burnt.^[10] The Sikh clergy and Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee demanded an apology from him and asked Seagram's to withdraw the advert, on the basis that it had "hurt the feelings of Sikhs". Harbhajan quickly issued an apology, but he was also unhappy at the clergy's interference, stating "If they were unhappy, they should have called me and talked to me like a son".^[11] To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Whisky, or whiskey, refers to a broad category of alcoholic beverages that are distilled from fermented grain mash and aged in wooden casks (generally oak). ... , Amritsar (Punjabi: , Hindi: ), meaning Pool of the Nectar of Immortality, is the administrative headquarter of the Amritsar District in Punjab, India. ... The effigy of John Gower in Southwark Cathedral, London. ... The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (Punjabi: , ) is a Sikh religious organisation responsible for the upkeep of gurdwaras. ...

Early career

Harbhajan made his first-class cricket debut in late 1997, during the 1997/98 Ranji Trophy season for Punjab cricket team. Playing in six matches, he took 18 wickets at an average of 22.5, ranking outside the top 20 in both wicket taking and averages.^[12] He played in only one Duleep Trophy match for North Zone, in which he took 5/131.^[13] Despite many bowlers having superior domestic performances, Harbhajan was selected to make his Test debut in the Third Test against Australia in Bangalore, where he recorded the modest match figures of 2/136.^[14] He was subsequently overlooked for the ODI tournament that followed the Tests, involving Zimbabwe in addition to Australia, but was selected for all group matches in the triangular tournament that followed soon after in Sharjah, where he made his ODI debut against New Zealand.^[15] Harbhajan was fined and reprimanded by the match referee in his first international series, when his on-field behaviour was adjudged to breach the ICC Code of Conduct, following an altercation with Ricky Ponting after Ponting was dismissed by Harbhajan.^[2][16] First-class cricket matches are those between international teams or the highest standard of domestic teams in which teams have two innings each. ... The Ranji Trophy is the domestic first-class cricket championship played in India between state and city sides, equivalent to county cricket in England and the Sheffield Shield in Australia, and also denotes the trophy that is awarded to the winner. ... The Punjab cricket team is the official first-class cricket team that represents the Indian state of Punjab. ... Bowling average is a statistic measuring the performance of bowlers in the sport of cricket. ... The Duleep Trophy competition was started by the Board of Control for Cricket in India in 1961-62. ... The North Zone cricket team is a first-class cricket team that represents northern India in the Duleep Trophy. ... , Bangalore (proposed to be renamed Bengaluru) (Kannada: ; pronunciation: in Kannada and in English) is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. ... Sharjah Central Souq - Shopping Mall The flag of Sharjah The Emirate of Sharjah (Arabic: الشارقة ash-shaariqah) extends along approximately 16 kilometres of the United Arab Emiratess Persian Gulf coastline and for more than 80 kilometres into the interior. ... The Panel of ICC Referees is a panel of cricket umpires appointed by the International Cricket Council to preside over Test matches and One-day Internationals around the world. ... The ICC Cricket Code of Conduct is a regulation regarding the conduct of professional players in the sport of cricket. ... Ricky Thomas Ponting (born December 19, 1974, in Launceston, Tasmania) is an Australian cricketer and current captain of the Australia national cricket team (for both One-Day International and Test cricket). ...

Harbhajan was then omitted from the team during a home triangular ODI tournament against Bangladesh and Kenya, but was recalled for the Singer Trophy in Sri Lanka, claiming eight wickets at an average of 24.1. After again being omitted for the Sahara Cup series against Pakistan in Toronto, Harbhajan took five wickets at an average of 22.6 on a tour to Zimbabwe, in what would proved to be his last ODI appearances for India for more than two years.^[17] In all, he took 18 wickets at an average of 27.2 during the calendar year.^[18] The Singer Akai Nidahas Trophy was a ODI tournament staged in Sri Lanka in June and July of 1998, with matches held in Colombo and Galle. ... The Sahara Cup was a bilateral ODI cricket series between Pakistan and Indian cricket team, which was held annually in Canada. ... The Indian cricket team toured Zimbabwe from September to October 1998, in a tour consisting of 3 One-day Internationals and a one-off Test match. ...

Harbhajan was retained in the Test team, taking 5/106 in the only Test on the Zimbabwe tour. However, his opportunities were limited in the 1998/99 season, playing in five of the seven Tests after being omitted for matches against New Zealand and Pakistan respectively.^[19][20] In all, he claimed 13 wickets at an average of 36.8.^[21] When he was free of international fixtures for the season, he played in the Ranji Trophy matches, claiming 27 wickets at an average of 24.59 in five matches, including his first five-wicket haul at first-class level.^[22] Harbhajan was overlooked for the ODI team for the whole season and missed selection for the 1999 Cricket World Cup.^[15][23] He managed to retain his Test position for the late 1999 home series against New Zealand, as India fielded a three pronged spin attack on dusty tracks, taking six wickets at an average of 32.66.^[24] The 1999 Cricket World Cup was hosted primarily by England, but Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands also hosted some games. ...

International exile

Harbhajan toured Australia in 1999/2000, as the second spinner. He did not play in the Tests, with India opting to field only Anil Kumble in the team.^[25][26] Upon returning to India in early 2000 for the latter stages of the season, Harbhajan was again unable to find a position in the Indian team, as Murali Kartik became Kumble's spinning partner.^[27] The Indian cricket team toured Australia in the 1999-2000 season CricketArchive Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians - various publications Playfair Cricket Annual Wisden Cricketers Almanack 2006 Categories: | | | | | | | ... Anil Kumble(Kannada:ಅನಿಲ್‌ ಕುಂಬ್ಳೆ)   (born 17 October 1970 in Bangalore, Karnataka) is an Indian cricketer and has been a member of the Indian cricket team since 1990. ... Murali Kartik (born September 11, 1976) is an Indian cricketer from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. ...

In mid-2000, an opportunity arose when Harbhajan was selected in the first group of trainees sent to the National Cricket Academy to study under Erapalli Prasanna and Srinivas Venkataraghavan, two off spin bowlers from the Indian spin quartet of the 1970s.^[28] However, his behaviour did not conform to requirements, and he was expelled on disciplinary grounds by director Hanumant Singh.^[29][30] His sponsorship job with Indian Airlines was also reviewed as a result of his indiscipline.^[2][31] Harbhajan later admitted that he had been at fault earlier in his career.^[32] The National Academy at Loughborough University The England and Wales Cricket Board National Academy first came into existence in the winter of 2001-2002 and has been based at Loughborough University since 2003. ... Erapalli Anantharao Srinivas Prasanna (born: May 22, 1940) is a famous cricket player from India. ... Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan, unsurprisingly often known by his nickname of Venkat, (born 21 April 1945, in Madras) was formerly a cricketer. ... The Indian spin quartet is the collective name given to the Indian spin bowlers EAS Prasanna, Srinivas Venkataraghavan, BS Chandrasekhar and Bishen Singh Bedi. ... Hanumant Singh   (born March 29, 1939, Banswara, Rajasthan - died November 29, 2006) is a former Indian cricketer who played in fourteen Tests from 1964 to 1969. ... The logo used while the company was called Indian Airlines Executive class cabin of an Indian Airbus A320 Indian Airlines, Limited or Indian (Hindi: ) is Indias state owned primarily domestic airline, under the federal Union Ministry of Civil Aviation and based in New Delhi. ...

Following his run-ins with Indian cricket administrators, there was nothing to indicate that Harbhajan's chances of national selection had improved at the start of 2000/01. Despite Kumble being injured, Harbhajan was again overlooked as Kartik, Sunil Joshi, and debutant Sarandeep Singh were entrusted with the spin bowling duties in Test matches against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe on the subcontinent.^[33][34] Having made little success in this phase of his international career, averaging 37.75 per wicket, and seemingly out of favour with selectors, Harbhajan faced a difficult decision.^[21] His father had recently died; as the family's only son, Harbhajan was now obliged to support his mother and unmarried sisters. He contemplated quitting cricket and moving the United States to drive trucks for a living.^[35] After being out of the team for more than 12 months, there was little indication of the sudden rise that would occur in his cricketing career only a few months later.^[2] Sunil Joshi was an Indian slow left arm bowler. ... Sarandeep Singh (born October 21, 1979 in Amritsar) is an Indian cricketer. ...

2001 Border-Gavaskar Trophy

With Kumble injured during the home series in March 2001 against the visiting Australians, Harbhajan, whose previous best Test figures were only 3/30, was entrusted with a heavy burden. He was to lead the spin attack against an Australian team which had set a world record with 15 consecutive Test victories, and was searching for its first ever series victory on Indian soil since 1969. Harbhajan started well in the First Test in Mumbai, taking three quick wickets in a spell of 3/8, to reduce Australia to 99/5 in response to India's first innings of 176. However, a counter-attacking 197-run partnership between Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist in just 32 overs, saw Harbhajan concede 103 runs from his last 17 overs, to end with 4/121.^[36] Despite being struck for many sixes into the crowd, it was still Harbhajan's best statistical analysis at Test level, as Australia proceeded to a crushing 10-wicket victory, their sixteenth consecutive Test victory in succession.^[37][38][39] , “Bombay” redirects here. ... In the sport of cricket, a run is the basic unit of scoring. ... In the sport of cricket, two batsmen bat in partnership, although only one is on strike at any time. ... Matthew Lawrence Hayden (born 29 October 1971 in Kingaroy, Queensland) is an Australian and Queensland cricketer. ... Adam Craig Gilchrist (born 14 November 1971 in Bellingen, New South Wales), nicknamed Gilly or Church,[1] is an Australian cricketer. ... In the sport of cricket, an over is a set of six consecutive balls bowled in succession. ... Boundary has two distinct meanings in the sport of cricket. ...

Harbhajan celebrates becoming the first Indian to take a Test hat trick with captain Sourav Ganguly.

With leading paceman Javagal Srinath ruled out of the series with a finger injury during the First Test,^[40] the teams met for the Second Test in Kolkata, with an even bigger burden on Harbhajan. Public opinion was sceptical about India's chances of stopping Australia's winning streak, with former captain Bishan Bedi lamenting the demise of Indian cricket.^[41] Australia were again in control on the first day, having scored 193/1, with Hayden having struck Harbhajan out of the attack. Harbhajan fought back to reduce Australia to 252/7, taking five wickets in the final session, including Ricky Ponting, Gilchrist and Shane Warne in successive balls to become the first Indian to claim a Test hat-trick.^[37] After a prolonged wait for the third umpire to adjudicate whether Sadagoppan Ramesh had managed to catch Warne before the ball hit the ground, the near-capacity crowd at Eden Gardens erupted when he was given out.^[42] Harbhajan eventually finished with 7/123 as Australia were bowled out for 445. India batted poorly and were forced to follow-on, but a 376-run partnership between V. V. S. Laxman and Rahul Dravid, who batted together for an entire day, allowed India to set Australia an imposing target of 384 to win on the final day. Australia appeared to be safely batting out the match for a draw, until losing 7/56 in the final session, collapsing from 166/3 to be bowled out for 212. Harbhajan claimed four of the wickets, to finish with 6/73 for the innings and a match tally of 13/196. India ended Australia's 16-match world record winning streak, and became only the third team to win a Test after being forced to follow on (Australia having lost all three of those matches).^{[37][43][44][45]} Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Javagal Srinath (Kannada:ಜಾವಗಲ್‌ ಶ್ರೀನಾಥ್‌)   (born August 31, 1969 in Mysore, Karnataka) is an Indian cricketer. ... ,   (IPA: [] Bengali: কলকাতা) (formerly, in English contexts,  ) is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. ... Bishan Singh Bedi (sometimes spelt as Bishen Singh Bedi) born September 25, 1946 in Amritsar, was an Indian cricketer. ... Ricky Thomas Ponting (born December 19, 1974, in Launceston, Tasmania) is an Australian cricketer and current captain of the Australia national cricket team (for both One-Day International and Test cricket). ... Shane Keith Warne (born 13 September 1969 in Upper Ferntree Gully, Victoria), is an Australian cricketer and the current captain of Hampshire. ... Australian Fred Spofforth dismissed three English batsmen with consecutive deliveries at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia on 2 January 1879 to take the first hat-trick in Test cricket in only the third Test match. ... Brett Lee looks on as the third umpire ponders his decision. ... Sadagoppan Ramesh (born October 16, 1975 in Madras - now Chennai) is an Indian cricketer. ... Inside the stadium Eden Gardens situated in Kolkata is the oldest cricket ground in India and is also considered one of the finest in the world. ... Follow-on is a term (noun and verb) used in the sport of cricket. ... Vangipurappu Venkata Sai Laxman   (born November 1, 1974, in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh), better known as V. V. S. Laxman, is a member of the Indian national cricket team. ... Rahul Sharad Dravid (Marathi:राहुल द्रविड)(Kannada:ರಾಹುಲ್‌ ಶರದ್‌ ದ್ರಾವಿಡ್‌)   (born 11 January 1973 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh) is an Indian cricketer, and the current captain of the Indian cricket team. ...

The teams arrived in Chennai for the deciding Third Test, and Australia's batsmen again seized control after winning the toss, reaching 340/3 on the second morning. Then, Australian captain Steve Waugh padded away a delivery from Harbhajan. The ball spun back into Waugh's stumps, who pushed the ball away with his glove, becoming only the sixth batsman in Tests to be given out "handled the ball".^[46] Waugh's dismissal instigated another Australian batting collapse, losing 6 wickets for 51 runs to be bowled out for 391, with Harbhajan taking all six in a spell of 6/26, to finish with 7/133.^[47] After India's batsmen gained a first-innings lead of 110, the Australian batsmen were again unable to cope with Harbhajan in the second innings, who took 8/84 to end with match figures of 15/217. India appeared to be heading for an easy victory at 101/2 chasing 155, before losing 6/50 to be 151/8. Perhaps fittingly, Harbhajan walked to the crease, and struck the winning runs.^[39][48] , “Madras” redirects here. ... Stephen Rodger Waugh AO (born June 2, 1965 in Canterbury, New South Wales) is a former Australian cricketer and was the captain of the Australian Test cricket team from 1999 to 2004. ... Handled the ball is a method of dismissal in the sport of cricket. ...

He was named man of the match and man of the series, having taken 32 wickets in the series,^[37] when none of his team-mates managed more than 3.^[49][50]. The Wisden 100 study conducted by Wisden in 2002 rated all four of Harbhajan's efforts in the Second and Third Tests in the top 100 bowling performances of all time, the most for any bowler.^[51] He paid tribute to his father, who had died just six months earlier.^[7][52] His performance led to him usurping Anil Kumble's position as India's first-choice spinner.^[37] In sport, a man of the match or player of the game or man of the series award is given to the outstanding player in a particular match or series. ... Commonly used in the game of Cricket, this term is used to denote the most valuable player in a series of matches that were played as part of a tournament. ... The Wisden 100 is a set of lists created by Wisden which attempted to objectively rate the 100 best individual innings performances in Test and One-day International cricket in each of the disciplines of batting and bowling. ... Wisden is the main publisher of information on cricket in the United Kingdom. ... Anil Kumble(Kannada:ಅನಿಲ್‌ ಕುಂಬ್ಳೆ)   (born 17 October 1970 in Bangalore, Karnataka) is an Indian cricketer and has been a member of the Indian cricket team since 1990. ...

Later career

Harbhajan's Test success saw him recalled to the ODI team after more than two years. He was unable to reproduce his Test form against Australia, managing only four wickets at an average of 59.25, and a cameo batting performance of 46 runs from 34 balls, including three sixes. He was dropped from the ODI team during a subsequent triangular tournament in Zimbabwe in 2001 after only managing two wickets at 69.^[17] Harbhajan was also unable to maintain his form in the Test series, taking eight wickets at 29.1 in the series against Zimbabwe, but did manage to post his first Test half-century, reaching 66 in the First Test in Bulawayo.^[20] The Indians subsequently toured Sri Lanka in mid-2001, enjoying spinning wickets similar to those in India. Harbhajan managed to establish himself in the ODI team with eleven wickets at 21, but his Test form deteriorated further, yielding only four wickets at 73, while Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan was named man of the series with 23 at 19, in what was billed as a contest between the world's two leading off-spinners.^[2] Harbhajan was omitted from the Indian team in favour of Kumble on the following tour of South Africa, only playing in the later matches when India fielded two spinners. Nevertheless, Harbhajan continued to average 20 in the ODI format, winning his first man of the match award in the ODI form in an ODI against South Africa in Bloemfontein.^[17][20] His disciplinary problems continued when he was one of four Indian players fined and given a suspended one match suspension for dissent and attempting to intimidate the umpire by over-appealing.^[53] The Indian cricket team in Zimbabwe in 2001 played 2 Tests The Test series was drawn 1-1 CricketArchive Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians - various publications Playfair Cricket Annual Wisden Cricketers Almanack 2006 Categories: | | | | ... The City of Bulawayo is highlighted in this map of Zimbabwe. ... The Indian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2001 played 4 first-class matches including 3 Tests. ... Muttiah Muralitharan (born April 17, 1972 in Kandy, Sri Lanka), often referred to simply as Murali, is a Sri Lankan cricketer who is generally regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history. ... The Indian cricket team in South Africa in 2001-02 played 2 Tests South Africa won the Test series 1-0 with 1 match drawn CricketArchive Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians - various publications Playfair Cricket Annual Wisden Cricketers Almanack 2006 Categories: | | | | | | | ... Bloemfontein at night Bloemfontein (IPA: , Afrikaans and Dutch for fountain of Bloem (bloom) or flower fountain is the capital city of the Free State Province of South Africa. ...

Harbhajan's Test fortunes improved immediately upon the start of the 2001/02 international season in India. Playing in his first international match at his home ground in Mohali, Punjab, Harbhajan took match figures of 7/110, including 5/51 in the first innings, to help India win the First Test by ten wickets against the touring English team. He continued his steady form throughout the series with another five wicket haul in the Second Test in Ahmedabad, to end with thirteen wickets at 24.53 for the series.^[19] Harbhajan's good form persisted in the matches against Zimbabwe, taking twelve wickets at 19.66.^[20] His 2/70 and 6/62 in the second Test in Delhi saw him named man of the match in a Test for the second time in his career.^[54] As in the first instance, he hit the winning runs, a straight-driven six.^[55] He also performed strongly in the ODIs during the Indian season, taking twenty wickets at 19.75 in ten matches and taking his first five wicket haul in ODIs.^[17] Mohali (Punjabi: , ) is a suburb of Chandigarh, 18th District in Punjab, India. ... , This article is about the Indian state of Punjab. ... , Ahmedabad (Gujarati: , Hindi: अहमदाबाद ) is the largest city in the state of Gujarat and the seventh-largest urban agglomeration in India, with a population of almost 51 lakhs (5. ... , Delhi (Hindi: , Urdu: , Punjabi: ), sometimes referred to as Dilli, is the second-largest metropolis in India after Mumbai with a population of 13 million. ...

Harbhajan's overseas difficulties returned during the tour of the West Indies in mid-2002. He injured his shoulder while fielding in a tour match, and was forced to miss the First Test in Guyana.^[56] After taking only six wickets at 38 upon his return to the team for the Second Test, he was dropped for the Fourth Test, but was recalled again for the Fifth Test at Sabina Park, after Kumble was injured.^[57] Despite taking improved figures of 8/180, Harbhajan was unable to prevent an Indian defeat.^[19] He claimed three wickets in the three match ODI series at 33.^[17] Despite his performance at Sabina Park, Harbhajan was dropped again when Kumble returned for the First Test on the tour to England at Lord's. India's coach John Wright later admitted that this had been a mistake.^[58] Harbhajan returned for the final three Tests with moderate success, taking 12 wickets at 34.16, as well as managing his second Test half-century of 54 at Trent Bridge in the Second Test.^[20] The 2002 ICC Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka at the end of the tour brought moderate results with six wickets at 30.66,^[20] and a best of 3/27 in the washed out final against the host nation.^[17] The Indian cricket team toured West Indies in the 2001-02 season CricketArchive Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians - various publications Playfair Cricket Annual Wisden Cricketers Almanack 2006 Categories: | | | | | ... The Caribbean or the West Indies is a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea. ... Sabina Park is a historic cricket ground in Kingston, Jamaica in the West Indies. ... The Indian cricket team in England in 2002 played 9 first-class matches including 4 Tests. ... Motto (French) God and my right Anthem God Save the King (Queen) England() – on the European continent() – in the United Kingdom() Capital (and largest city) London (de facto) Official languages English (de facto) Unified  -  by Athelstan 967 AD  Area  -  Total 130,395 km²  50,346 sq mi  Population  -  2006 estimate... The Media Centre at Lords Cricket Ground Lords Cricket Ground is a cricket ground in St Johns Wood in London. ... John Wright may refer to: John Wright (cricketer) (born 1954), member of the New Zealand cricket team, coach of the Indian cricket team John Wright (inventor), an inventor of electroplating (method patented, 1840) John Wright (politician), New Zealand MP, 1996–2002 John C. Wright (born 1961), science fiction and fantasy... For more coverage of cricket, go to the Cricket portal. ... The 2002 ICC Champions Trophy is a cricket tournament that was held in Sri Lanka in 2002. ...

As was the case in the previous season, Harbhajan's return to Indian soil coincided with an improvement in results. He took 8/85 in an innings victory at Mumbai in the First Test against the West Indies, and then contributed match figures of 7/135 and 37 in an eight wicket victory in Chennai which saw him named man of the match.^[54] A haul of 5/115 in the Third Test at Calcutta was the best in a high scoring match, and with 20 wickets at 16.75, Harbhajan was named as the man of the series.^[49] He was unable to transfer his performances to the ODI format, taking only six wickets at 50.16 against the same team.^[17] Harbhajan took only five wickets in the subsequent Test tour to New Zealand, in a series where five pace bowlers averaged less than 20 on seaming tracks.^[59][60] , “Bombay” redirects here. ... Learie Constantine, was one of the first great West Indian players. ... , “Madras” redirects here. ... This article is on Calcutta/Kolkata, the city. ... The Indian cricket team in New Zealand in 2002-03 played 3 first-class matches including 2 Tests; and 7 ODIs. ...

Harbhajan had a mixed tournament at the 2003 Cricket World Cup, taking 11 wickets at 30.45. He was the first-choice spinner and played in all matches but one, being dropped against arch-rivals Pakistan. His rival, Kumble, played in only three matches.^[15][61] Harbhajan was the only Indian bowler to take a wicket in the defeat to Australia in the final, taking 2/49.^[15] He was the fourth leading wicket taker for India overall and his tournament bowling average was worse than those of Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra and Javagal Srinath.^[62] He finished the season with six wickets at 14 in an ODI tournament in Bangladesh, where he was fined for abusing an umpire.^[15][63] This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Zaheer Khan   (born October 7, 1978, Srirampur, Maharashtra) is an Indian cricketer who has been a member of the Indian cricket team since 2000. ... Ashish Nehra   (born April 29, 1979 in Delhi) is an Indian cricketer (left-arm fast medium bowler) who has represented India at the international level since 1999. ... Javagal Srinath (Kannada:ಜಾವಗಲ್‌ ಶ್ರೀನಾಥ್‌)   (born August 31, 1969 in Mysore, Karnataka) is an Indian cricketer. ...

Finger injury

After experiencing pains in his spinning finger during the World Cup, Harbhajan was scheduled to undergo surgery in mid-2003 in Australia,^[64][65] but the surgery was delayed as he sought to play through the pain.^[66] He underwent physiotherapy in lieu of surgery and was declared fit for a two-match Test series against New Zealand in late 2003.^[67] His performance was substantially worse than his previous displays on Indian soil, taking only six wickets at an average of 50. Aside from his debut series, it was his worst series bowling average on Indian soil.^[20] Despite an ODI series in which he managed only four wickets at 40.5, the Indian team attempted to manage his injury rather than have his finger operated on, and took him on the 2003/04 tour of Australia. After an ineffective 1/169 in the First Test at Brisbane, his injury deteriorated and he underwent major finger surgery late in the year 2003.^[68][69][70] Kumble replaced him and took 24 wickets in the remaining three Tests. Kumble bowled India to victory in the following Test against Pakistan in Multan, taking 6/71 to reclaim his position as the No.1 spinner.^[71] The Indian cricket team in Australia in 2003-04 played 6 first-class matches including 4 Tests. ... Brisbane (pronounced ) is the capital and most populous city of the Australian state of Queensland, as well as the third largest city in Australia, with a greater metropolitan population of 1. ... It has been suggested that Hindu temples in Multan be merged into this article or section. ...

After a seven-month layoff, Harbhajan returned to represent India in ODIs in the Asia Cup in July 2004, where he took four wickets at 39.75 in four matches. His performance improved markedly on the tour to England for an ODI series against England and the 2004 ICC Champions Trophy, taking eight wickets at 14 and hitting as an unbeaten 41 against England at The Oval.^[15][17] The Asia Cup is an international cricket tournament. ... The logo of the England Cricket Team which shows the three Lions of England below a five-pointed crown The England cricket team is a cricket team which represents England and Wales, operating under the auspices of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). ... The ICC Champions Trophy 2004 was held in September in England. ... The famous gasometers, which are now listed buildings. ...

Harbhajan made his Test return against Australia, who were again seeking their first series win on Indian soil since 1969 in the late 2004 home series.^[72] Harbhajan took 5/146 in the first innings and 6/78 in the second innings in addition to making a run out to reduce Australia from 103/3 to 228 all out. Despite this, India required 457 in their second innings to win, slumping to 125/8 before Harbhajan (42) and Irfan Pathan helped India to reach 239, still a 217-run loss.^[73] Harbhajan was less effective in the drawn Second Test in Chennai, with match figures of 5/198, and withdrew from the Third Test in Nagpur due to illness.^[74] Australia won the match, clinching the series.^[72] Harbhajan returned for the final Test. After failing to take a wicket in the first innings, he claimed 5/29 in the second to help India bowl Australia out for 93 and claim a dramatic 14 run victory.^[75] Harbhajan ended the series with 21 wickets at 24.^[20] The Australian cricket team in India in 2004-05 played 5 first-class matches including 4 Tests. ... Run out is a method of dismissal in the sport of cricket. ... Irfan Khan Pathan   (born October 27, 1984 in Baroda, Gujarat, India) is an Indian cricketer who has been a member of the Indian national cricket team since late 2003. ... , “Madras” redirects here. ... Concern has been expressed that this article or section is missing information about: Detailed information on the citys localities and urban economy (See discussion page). ...

A Test series in India against South Africa followed, with Harbhajan taking match figures of 4/166 in the First Test in Kanpur, before producing a man of the match performance in the Second Test in Calcutta to lead India to a 1-0 series win. After taking 2/54 in the first innings, he took 6/78 in the second, including South Africa's first five batsman to set up a successful run-chase of 117.^[76] Harbhajan was the leading wicket-taker for the series, with 13 at an average of 23.61.^[77] He ended 2004 with a quiet tour of Bangladesh, scoring a 47 and taking four wickets at 41.75 in two Tests and one wicket at 94 in two ODIs.^[17][20] He had a relatively light workload, bowling only 47.4 overs, as Irfan Pathan frequently scythed through the Bangladeshi batsmen with the new ball, taking three five wicket hauls.^[78] This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... This article is on Calcutta/Kolkata, the city. ... The Indian cricket team in Bangladesh in 2004-05 played 2 Test matches India won the Test series 2-0: 1st Test (Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka) – India won by an innings and 140 runs 2nd Test (MA Aziz Stadium, Chittagong) – India won by an innings and 83 runs CricketArchive itinerary... Irfan Khan Pathan   (born October 27, 1984 in Baroda, Gujarat, India) is an Indian cricketer who has been a member of the Indian national cricket team since late 2003. ...

His performance in Bangladesh saw him dropped for the First Test in the early 2005 series against Pakistan on his home ground in Mohali, with Kumble being the only spinner selected on the pace-friendly surface.^[79] He was recalled for the Second Test in Calcutta and took match figures of 4/145 in an Indian victory. Despite taking 6/152 in a marathon 51-over spell in the first innings of the Third Test in Bangalore, Pakistan won the match to level the series. He finished the series with 10 wickets at 33.2.^[19][20] His performance in the subsequent ODI series was even worse, managing only three wickets at 73.66 in five matches.^[17] In spite of the poor end to the season, his performance in the year since finger surgery saw him nominated for the 2005 ICC Test Player of the Year.^[80] Harbhajan spent the international off-season playing for Surrey in English county cricket, citing the improvement that other international players had gained from such an experience. It was his first stint in county cricket, after a planned season at Lancashire in 2003 was cancelled due to injury.^[81] Mohali (Punjabi: , ) is a suburb of Chandigarh, 18th District in Punjab, India. ... This article is on Calcutta/Kolkata, the city. ... , Bangalore (proposed to be renamed Bengaluru) (Kannada: ; pronunciation: in Kannada and in English) is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. ... ICC logo The International Cricket Council (ICC) is the governing body for international Test match and One-day International cricket. ... Surrey County Cricket Club (SCCC) is an English first-class cricket team, based at The Oval cricket ground in south London. ... Lancashire County Cricket Club is one of the eighteen major county clubs which make up the English domestic cricket structure, representing the historic county of Lancashire. ...

Chappell era

Harbhajan's first outings under newly appointed coach Greg Chappell came at the Indian Oil Cup in Sri Lanka in August 2005. He took five wickets at 31.4 in four matches, but was wicketless in the final, which was won by the host nation.^[15] This was followed by a tour of Zimbabwe, which was marred by tension between the new coach and Indian captain Ganguly.^[82] Harbhajan played in five matches in the Videocon Tri-Series involving Zimbabwe and New Zealand, managing only two wickets at 94,^[15] both of them against an inexperienced Zimbabwe team crippled by a mass exodus of white players from the Mugabe regime. Harbhajan had a quiet Test series against Zimbabwe, taking six wickets at 31.^[20] He was only required to bowl 58 overs,^[19] as the majority of the Zimbabwean batsmen were removed after being unable to cope with Pathan's swing which was likened to "Frisbees at high speed".^[83] He managed to claim his 200th Test wicket in the First Test, and in doing so became the second youngest player to reach the mark after Kapil Dev.^[83] Harbhajan's batting was notable for an exceptionally aggressive 18-ball innings in the First Test in Bulawayo, where he struck four fours and three sixes in a cameo innings of 37.^[84] Gregory Stephen Chappell (born 7 August 1948 in Unley, South Australia), is a former cricketer who captained Australia between 1975 and 1977 and then joined the breakaway World Series Cricket (WSC) organisation, before returning to the Australian captaincy in 1979, which he held until 1983. ... The Indian Oil Cup 2005 was a three-team cricket tournament which took place in Sri Lanka in July and August 2005, between the hosts Sri Lanka, India and West Indies. ... The Videocon Tri-Series was a three-team one-day international cricket tournament taking place in Zimbabwe between the hosts Zimbabwe, India and New Zealand. ... Robert Gabriel Mugabe KCB (born on February 21, 1924) is the President of Zimbabwe. ... The Indian cricket team are touring Zimbabwe for cricket matches in August and September 2005. ... Kapil Dev Ramlal Nikhanj[1] (कपिल देव) ( ) (born 6 January 1959, Chandigarh), better known as Kapil Dev, is a former Indian cricketer regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders to have played Cricket. ...

Harbhajan's difficulties were compounded when he earned the ire of cricket authorities by publicly attacking Chappell and defending Ganguly after the team returned to India.^[85] He claimed that Chappell had used "double standards" and instilled "fear and insecurity" into the team. The Punjab Cricket Association called him to explain his actions,^[86] but he was not punished after offering an apology.^[87] In early 2006, Harbhajan changed his stance publicly, praising Chappell for the team's improved form, stating "He has great knowledge about the game and it has been a very successful year for us under him. He has lifted our team to great heights".^[88] The Punjab cricket team is the official first-class cricket team that represents the Indian state of Punjab. ...

Harbhajan was under pressure to perform when Sri Lanka toured India in late 2005 following his attack on Chappell and the replacement of Ganguly, who had frequently supported him during previous career difficulties, with new captain Rahul Dravid. In addition, his home ODI form had been poor in the previous three years, managing only 12 wickets at 56 in 16 matches, with an economy rate of 4.8.^[89] He responded by claiming 3/35 in the first ODI in Nagpur after Sri Lanka had raced to 50 in just 6.3 overs. The Sri Lankan batsman hit the Indian fast bowlers out of the attack, scoring 74 runs in the first 10 overs and forcing Dravid to delay the Power Play and introduce Harbhajan. This sparked a collapse, with 4 wickets taken for 14 runs, resulting in a 152-run Indian victory.^[90] Harbhajan aggregated six wickets at 26 in the first four matches, at a low economy rate of 3.43, with a series of performances noted for skillful variations in pace and flight, helping India gain an unassailable 4-0 series lead.^[15][89] He was subsequently rested for the fifth ODI, and ended the series as the most economical bowler.^[91] The Sri Lankan cricket team toured India for cricket matches in October, November and December 2005. ... Rahul Sharad Dravid (Marathi:राहुल द्रविड)(Kannada:ರಾಹುಲ್‌ ಶರದ್‌ ದ್ರಾವಿಡ್‌)   (born 11 January 1973 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh) is an Indian cricketer, and the current captain of the Indian cricket team. ... Cricket is a sport that generates a large number of statistics. ... Concern has been expressed that this article or section is missing information about: Detailed information on the citys localities and urban economy (See discussion page). ... Power play or powerplay may refer to: In gaming: PC PowerPlay, a PC games magazine published in Australia PowerPlay (technology), a defunct standard for networked video gaming headed by Valve Software and Cisco Systems Powerplay Cruiser, a joystick released in the early 1990s In sports: Powerplay, a sporting term used...

He put on another strong personal performance in the first ODI of the following series against South Africa in Hyderabad, where he struck an aggressive unbeaten 37 from 17 balls, including two sixes, to help India recover to 249/9, before taking 1/35 from his 10 overs.^[92] He was unable to prevent an Indian loss, and was fined after pointing Ashwell Prince to the pavilion after dismissing him.^[93][94] Harbhajan ended the series with five wickets at 27.4,^[17] and was again India's most economical bowler.^[95] The South African cricket team visited India for cricket matches in the 2005–06 season. ... Hyderabad may refer to: Hyderabad, the independent state Hyderabad State, the pre-1956 state India Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, the capital city of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh Hyderabad district (India) Begumpet Airport, also known as Hyderabad Airport Hyderabad Central, a huge shopping mall in Hyderabad Hyderabad, Uttar Pradesh, a... Ashwell Gavin Prince (born May 28, 1977, Port Elizabeth, Cape Province) is a cricketer who plays Test and One-day International cricket for South Africa. ...

2005 ended with a three Test series against Sri Lanka. After the first match in Chennai was washed out due to rain,^[96] Harbhajan took match figures of 4/137 in as India took a 1-0 series lead.^[19] He finished the calendar year with a man of the match performance in Ahmedabad, which saw India seal a 2-0 series victory with a 259 run victory. He took 7/62 in the first innings, including six of Sri Lanka's top eight batsmen. A middle-order batting collapse, with 6 wickets falling for 82 runs, allowed India to take a 193-run first innings lead. Harbhajan later contributed an aggressive innings of 40 not out from 51 balls, in an unbroken 49 run final-wicket partnership with Kumble in the second innings, their display of unorthodox hitting stretching India's lead to 508 runs .^[97] His prospects of a half century were cut short by a declaration from acting captain Virender Sehwag, but he was compensated with opening the bowling, as Sehwag employed a novel tactic of assigning the new ball to a spinner.^[98] He took 3/79 to finish with match figures of 10/141, ending the year on a high note after he had been embroiled in the leadership struggle only three months earlier.^[19] The Sri Lankan cricket team toured India for cricket matches in October, November and December 2005. ... , “Madras” redirects here. ... , Ahmedabad (Gujarati: , Hindi: अहमदाबाद ) is the largest city in the state of Gujarat and the seventh-largest urban agglomeration in India, with a population of almost 51 lakhs (5. ... Virender Sehwag   (born 20 October 1978, in Delhi) also known as Veeru is an Indian cricketer (batsman) and member of the Indian national cricket team since 1999 (one-dayers) and 2001 (Tests). ...

Test decline

2006 began with Harbhajan's first tour to arch-rivals Pakistan. The First Test was a high scoring draw held in Lahore, where Harbhajan recorded his worst ever Test figures of 0/176 in a match where 1,089 runs were scored for loss of just eight wickets.^[99] In a match in which many batting records fell, Harbhajan was hit for 27 runs in one over by Shahid Afridi, just one short of the world record.^[100] The second Test in Faisalabad was another high scoring draw, with the aggregate runs being the fourth highest in Test history. Harbhajan took 0/101 and 0/78. His 81 overs in the series were the fourth highest amount of overs in any Test series without taking a wicket.^[101] When he was given the opportunity to make use of the batting surface, he managed a brisk 38, including two sixes.^[102] Harbhajan was dropped for the Third Test in Karachi, where a green pitch promised to favour seam bowling, and Kumble was the only spinner used.^[103] After sustaining an injury, Harbhajan was sent home during the subsequent ODI series without playing a match, ending his tour without taking a wicket.^[15][104] The Indian cricket team toured Pakistan for cricket matches during the 2005–06 season. ... Lahore (Urdu: لاہور, Punjabi: لہور, pronounced ) is the capital of the province of Punjab, and is the second most densely populated city in Pakistan. ... Sahibzada Mohammad Shahid Khan Afridi (Urdu: صاحبزادہ محمد شاہد خان آفریدی) (born 1 March 1980 in Khyber Agency to Pashtun parents of the Afridi tribe in kohat ) popularly known as Shahid Afridi is a Pakistani cricketer and all-rounder who has represented Pakistani cricket since 1996 at international level. ... Faisalabad Sada (Urdu: فیصل آباد) is located in Punjab, Pakistan. ... Karachi (Urdu: كراچى, Sindhi: ڪراچي) is the capital of the province of Sindh, and the most populated city in Pakistan. ...

A return to Indian soil for the Test series against England failed to ease Harbhajan's wicket-taking difficulties. He managed match figures of 2/172 in the drawn First Test in Nagpur, and 1/83 in the Second Test in Mohali, where his main contribution was to hit 36 runs, helping India to a first innings lead.^[19][105] Despite taking 3/89 and 2/40 in the Third Test in Mumbai, Harbhajan ended the series with eight wickets at an average of 48,^[20] nearly twice his career average on Indian soil.^[21] Despite his difficulties in Test cricket, Harbhajan's ODI form remained strong, as he top-scored with 37 and then took 5/31 in a man of the match performance in the first ODI against England in Delhi, sparking a collapse of 7/47 which secured a 39-run victory.^[106][107] He ended the series with 12 wickets at 15.58, and topped the wicket-taking list, as well as having the best bowling average and economy rate.^[108] The English cricket team toured India during February, March and April 2006. ... Concern has been expressed that this article or section is missing information about: Detailed information on the citys localities and urban economy (See discussion page). ... Mohali (Punjabi: , ) is a suburb of Chandigarh, 18th District in Punjab, India. ... , “Bombay” redirects here. ... , Delhi (Hindi: , Urdu: , Punjabi: ), sometimes referred to as Dilli, is the second-largest metropolis in India after Mumbai with a population of 13 million. ...

Harbhajan was unable to maintain his ODI form on the tour to the West Indies, where he managed three wickets at 64 in five matches.^[17] He was omitted from the Test team for opening two Tests as India opted to use three pace bowlers and Anil Kumble, scrapping the five bowler strategy used since early 2006.^[109] The reasons were unclear, with performance, fatigue and injury variously offered as explanations.^[110] Harbhajan was recalled for the Third Test in St Kitts after the pace attack was unable to dismiss the West Indian batsmen, with West Indies captain Brian Lara stating that his team would have been lucky to draw the Second Test had Harbhajan been playing.^[111] In a drawn match, Harbhajan claimed the leading match figures of 6/186, as well as contributing an unbeaten 38.^[112] Harbhajan's 5/13 in the first innings in the Fourth Test saw the hosts lose their last six wickets for 23, to give India a 97 run first innings lead. India went on secure a victory in a low scoring match in three days and win the series 1-0.^[113] It was India's first series victory in the Caribbean in 35 years,^[114] with Harbhajan contributing 11 wickets at 24.^[20] India will be touring West Indies during the 2006 International cricket season. ... The Caribbean or the West Indies is a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea. ... Anil Kumble(Kannada:ಅನಿಲ್‌ ಕುಂಬ್ಳೆ)   (born 17 October 1970 in Bangalore, Karnataka) is an Indian cricketer and has been a member of the Indian cricket team since 1990. ... Saint Kitts and Nevis is an island nation in the Caribbean. ... Brian Charles Lara (born May 2, 1969) (nicknamed, The Prince of Port-of-Spain or simply The Prince) was a record-breaking cricketer who was regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all-time. ...

The 2006/07 season began with the DLF Cup in Malaysia, where Harbhajan made a good start to the season, taking six wickets at 17.5 in four matches.^[17] He was man of the match against the West Indies, scoring 37 in a 78-run partnership to push India to 162, before taking 3/35 to secure a 16-run victory.^[115] He was unable to maintain his form in the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy held in India, managing only two wickets at 51.5 and saving his worst performance of 0/49 in the final group match against Australia on his home ground in Punjab.^[15] The tour of South Africa in late 2006 saw even less success, taking only one wicket in three ODI matches while conceding 161 runs.^[17] He finished the year watching from the sidelines as India fielded Kumble as the only spinner in the three Test series.^[116] Apart from the injury hit 2003, it was Harbhajan's least productive year in Test cricket since he became a regular team member in 2001, managing only 19 wickets at 52.78.^[21] The DLF Cup 2006–07 is a triangular One-day International cricket tournament involving Australia, India, and West Indies. ... The 2006 ICC Champions Trophy is a One-day International cricket tournament held in India from 7 October to 5 November 2006. ... , This article is about the Indian state of Punjab. ... The Indian cricket team will tour South Africa for three Tests and five ODIs in November 2006. ...

Harbhajan returned for the early 2007 ODI series against the West Indies and Sri Lanka in India, taking seven wickets at 35.87 in seven matches.^[17] Despite criticism that he was afraid to toss the ball up, and was concentrating on bowling flat in a defensive run-saving style, Harbhajan was selected as the off spin bowler in the Indian squad for the 2007 Cricket World Cup, while Ramesh Powar, who had been more expensive but had taken more wickets recently was omitted.^[117] A statistical study showed that since the start of 2006, Harbhajan has been the second most economical bowler in the final 10 overs of ODIs.^[118] It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with West Indian cricket team in India in 2006-07. ... The 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup was a mens cricket tournament that took place in the West Indies from 13 March to 28 April 2007, using the sports one-day international format. ... Ramesh Powar (born May 20, 1978 in Bombay - now Mumbai) is an Indian cricketer A stocky offspinner who is more than handy with the bat, Ramesh Powar has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket for the last four seasons, and was crucial to Mumbais Ranji Trophy success in...

Playing style

Harbhajan is an attacking-minded bowler who exercises great command over the ball, has the ability to vary his length and pace, although he is often criticised for his flat trajectory.^[119] His main wicket-taking ball climbs wickedly on the unsuspecting batsman from a good length, forcing him to alter his stroke at the last second.^[1] With a whippy bowling action, he was reported for throwing in November 1998. He was forced to travel to England for tests, but his action was cleared by former English player Fred Titmus.^[37][120] In the sport of cricket, throwing (commonly referred to as chucking) occurs when a bowler delivers a ball with an illegal straightening of the elbow. ... Motto (French) God and my right Anthem God Save the King (Queen) England() – on the European continent() – in the United Kingdom() Capital (and largest city) London (de facto) Official languages English (de facto) Unified  -  by Athelstan 967 AD  Area  -  Total 130,395 km²  50,346 sq mi  Population  -  2006 estimate... The logo of the England Cricket Team which shows the three Lions of England below a five-pointed crown The England cricket team is a cricket team which represents England and Wales, operating under the auspices of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). ... // Overview Frederick John Titmus (born November 24, 1932 in Kentish Town, London) was an English cricketer whose first-class career spanned five decades. ...

He has developed an ability to bowl the doosra, which was the subject of an official report by match referee Chris Broad, on-field umpires Aleem Dar and Mark Benson, and TV umpire Mahbubur Rahman after the Second Test between India and Bangladesh at Chittagong, Bangladesh in December 2004.^[121] The ICC cleared his action in May 2005, saying that the straightening of his elbow fell within the permitted limits.^[122] A doosra (Urdu: دوسرا, Hindi: दूस्रा) (doo-srah) is a particular type of delivery by an off spin bowler in the sport of cricket. ... A match referee is an official appointed to oversee professional cricket matches. ... Brian Christopher Chris Broad (born September 29, 1957, Knowle, Somerset) is a former England test cricketer and current test official. ... Aleem Sarwar Dar (born June 6, 1968 in Jhang) is an international cricket umpire from Pakistan. ... Mark Richard Benson (born 6 July 1958) is a former England cricketer, and now a ICC Elite Panel cricket umpire. ... Mahbubur Rahman (born February 1, 1969, Mymensingh District, Dhaka) is a former Bangladeshi cricketer who played in one ODI in 1999. ... Chittagong (Bengali: চট্টগ্রাম, Chôţţogram) is the major seaport and second largest city of Bangladesh. ...

Harbhajan averages 25 with the ball in home Test matches. All five of his man of the match awards and both of his man of the series awards have been obtained in India.^[54] His bowling average climbs to 40 outside India. Statistically, his bowling is most effective against the West Indies and Australia.^[21] His most productive hunting grounds has been Eden Gardens in Calcutta, where he has taken 33 wickets at 20.87 in five Tests, while the Chepauk in Chennai, where he has claimed two man of the match awards, has yield 27 wickets at 21.62 in four Tests.^[54] Harbhajan has claimed his wickets most cheaply at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where he has taken 22 wickets at 19.45.^[123] Harbhajan tends to bowl outside off-stump more than Muttiah Muralitharan, who attacks the stumps; he captures 66% of his wickets via catches and only 22% by bowling or trapping batsmen LBW, whereas the corresponding figures for Muralitharan are 48% and 41%.^[124][125] Harbhajan's off spin complements Kumble's leg spin. While Harbhajan is known for his emotional and extroverted celebrations, which are part of a deliberate strategy of aggression, Kumble is known for his undemonstrative and composed approach.^[126] Both spinners have opined that they bowl more effectively in tandem via persistent application of pressure to batsmen, but statistics have shown that while Kumble has performed better when paired with Harbhajan, Harbhajan has been more effective in Kumble's absence.^[127] Bowling average is a statistic measuring the performance of bowlers in the sport of cricket. ... Inside the stadium Eden Gardens situated in Kolkata is the oldest cricket ground in India and is also considered one of the finest in the world. ... This article is on Calcutta/Kolkata, the city. ... Chepauk is a locality in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. ... , “Madras” redirects here. ... The Wankhede stadium. ... , “Bombay” redirects here. ... Muttiah Muralitharan (born April 17, 1972 in Kandy, Sri Lanka), often referred to simply as Murali, is a Sri Lankan cricketer who is generally regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history. ... Bowled is a method of dismissing a batsman in the sport of cricket. ... In the sport of cricket, leg before wicket (LBW) is one of the ways in which a batsman can be dismissed. ...

In an interview in 2001, Harbhajan stated his ambition to become an all-rounder.^[128] Although he has recorded a few good batting scores, his batting average is less than 15 in both Tests and ODIs. However, in the span of four years starting from 2003, he has shown improved performance, averaging around 20 with the bat.^[21] His style is frequently described as being unorthodox, with pundits agreeing with his self-assessment attributing his batting achievements to his hand-eye coordination, rather than his footwork or technique.^{[98][128][129]} The aggression in Harbhajan's bowling also extends to his batting, with a Test strike rate of 67.95, which is surpassed by only six players who have scored more than 1000 runs in Test cricket.^[1][130] An all-rounder is a cricket player who excels at both batting and bowling. ... Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball measuring the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters, respectively. ... Strike rate refers to two different statistics in the sport of cricket. ...

Awards

Test Cricket

Man of the Series awards

#	Series	Season	Series Performance
1	Australia in India Test Series[54]	2000/01	34 Runs (3 Matches, 6 Innings); 178.3-44-545-32 (2x10 WM; 4x5 WI)
2	West Indies in India Test Series[54]	2002/03	69 Runs (3 Matches, 4 Innings); 166-54-335-20 (2x5 WI); 5 Catches

The Australian cricket team toured India in the 2000-01 season CricketArchive Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians - various publications Playfair Cricket Annual Wisden Cricketers Almanack 2006 Categories: | | | | | | | ... Learie Constantine, was one of the first great West Indian players. ...

Man of the Match awards

S No	Opponent	Venue	Season	Match Performance
1	Australia[54]	Chepauk, Chennai	2000/01	1st Innings: 2 Runs; 38.2-6-133-7 2nd Innings: 3* Runs; 41.5-20-84-8 10+ Wicket Match
2	Zimbabwe[54]	Feroz Shah Kotla, New Delhi	2001/02	1st Innings: 9 Runs (2x4); 27.5-5-70-2 2nd Innings: 14 Runs (2x4, 1x6); 31-5-62-6; 2 Catches
3	West Indies[54]	Chepauk, Chennai	2002/03	1st Innings: 37 Runs (5x4, 1x6); 29-13-56-3 2nd Innings 30-6-79-4; 1 Catch
4	South Africa[54]	Kolkata	2004/05	1st Innings: 14 Runs (2x4); 21.3-6-54-2; 1 Catch 2nd Innings: 30-3-87-7; 1 Catch
5	Sri Lanka[54]	Motera, Ahmedabad[54]	2005/06	1st Innings: 8* Runs (1x4); 22.2-3-62-7; 1 Catch 2nd Innings: 40 Runs (4x6; 1x6); 31-7-79-3 10+ Wicket Match

The M. A. Chidambaram Stadium is a cricket stadium in Chennai (formerly Madras), India, named after M. A. Chidambaram, the former President of BCCI and the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association. ... Established in 1883, the Feroz Shah Kotla - run by the politicised Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) - is undergoing its latest facelift - one that began over two years ago. ... Learie Constantine, was one of the first great West Indian players. ... The M. A. Chidambaram Stadium is a cricket stadium in Chennai (formerly Madras), India, named after M. A. Chidambaram, the former President of BCCI and the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association. ... Inside the stadium Eden Gardens situated in Kolkata is the oldest cricket ground in India and is also considered one of the finest in the world. ... The Sardar Patel Stadium is the test cricket venue of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. ...

ODI Cricket

Man of the match awards

S No	Opponent	Venue	Season	Match Performance
1	South Africa	Centurion	2001/02	15 (14b, 2x4); 10-0-27-3
2	England	New Delhi	2005/06	37 (46b, 3x4, 1x6); 10-2-31-5
3	West Indies	Kinrara, Kuala Lumpur	2006/07	37 (60b, 1x4, 2x6); 8-0-35-3; 1 Catch

Centurion Park, is a cricket ground in Centurion, Gauteng Province, South Africa. ... The logo of the England Cricket Team which shows the three Lions of England below a five-pointed crown The England cricket team is a cricket team which represents England and Wales, operating under the auspices of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). ... Established in 1883, the Feroz Shah Kotla - run by the politicised Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) - is undergoing its latest facelift - one that began over two years ago. ... Learie Constantine, was one of the first great West Indian players. ... Kinrara Academy Oval is a cricket stadium located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in the suburbs of Puchong. ...

References