- Full Name: Harbhajan Singh Plaha
- Nickname(s): Bhajji, The Turbanator
- Date of Birth: July 3, 1980
- Place of Birth: Jalandhar, Punjab, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Profession: Cricketer (Former), Commentator, Politician
- Batting Style: Right-Handed
- Bowling Style: Right-Arm Off-Spin
- Role in Team: Bowler
- Jersey Number: 3 (ODIs & Tests), 27 (IPL)
- Net Worth: 70 crore
Early Life & Family:
Harbhajan Singh was born into a Sikh household in Jalandhar, Punjab. Sardar Sardev Singh Plaha, his father, was a merchant. Under his instructor Davinder Arora, he transitioned from batter training to spin bowling.
Domestic & IPL Career:
- Made his First-Class debut for Punjab in 1997-98.
- Represented Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL from 2008 to 2017, winning multiple titles.
- Later played for Chennai Super Kings (2018-2020) and Kolkata Knight Riders (2021).
International Career
Test Cricket (1998-2015)
- Test Debut: March 25, 1998, vs Australia
- Became a sensation in the 2001 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, taking 32 wickets in 3 Tests, including a hat-trick in Kolkata (first Indian to take a Test hat-trick).
- Helped India win major series against Australia, England, and Pakistan.
- Ended his Test career with 417 wickets in 103 matches, making him India’s second-highest wicket-taking off-spinner after Anil Kumble.
ODI & T20I Career (1998-2016)
- ODI Debut: April 17, 1998, vs New Zealand
- Played a crucial role in India’s 2003 World Cup campaign, reaching the final.
- 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Winner, taking 9 wickets, including key dismissals in the final stages.
- T20I Debut: December 1, 2006, vs South Africa
- Part of the 2007 T20 World Cup-winning squad.
- Ended his ODI career with 269 wickets in 236 matches and T20I career with 25 wickets in 28 matches.
Major Achievements & Records
- First Indian to take a Test hat-trick (2001 vs Australia)
- 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Winner
- 2007 ICC T20 World Cup Winner
- One of only two Indian bowlers (alongside Kumble) with over 400 Test wickets
- 10-wicket haul in India’s historic Test win against South Africa (2008)
- Highest wicket-taker in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2001 (32 wickets in 3 Tests)
- Played key role in India’s No. 1 Test ranking (2009-2011)
Playing Style & Strengths
- Aggressive & Passionate: Played with high intensity and confidence.
- Deadly Off-Spin: Known for his sharp turn, bounce, and ability to outfox batsmen.
- Big-Match Player: Delivered match-winning performances in crucial games.
- Handy Lower-Order Batsman: Scored 2 Test centuries and played vital knocks.
Personal Life & Post-Cricket Career
- Married to: Geeta Basra (Bollywood actress) in 2015.
- Children: Daughter (Hinaya Heer Plaha) & Son (Jovan Veer Singh Plaha).
- Post-Retirement: Works as a commentator, analyst, and politician (Rajya Sabha MP since 2022).
- Business Ventures: Owns sports academies, real estate investments, and brand endorsements.
Legacy & Influence:
- Revolutionized Off-Spin: Became India’s premier off-spinner, with over 700 international wickets. His 32-wicket haul in the 2001 Border-Gavaskar Trophy is legendary.
- Part of India’s Golden Era: Key player in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup & 2011 ODI World Cup wins. Helped India become the No. 1 Test team (2009-2011).
- Aggressive & Fearless: Known for his never-back-down attitude, intense rivalries, and ability to deliver in high-pressure matches.
- Influenced Future Generations: Inspired spinners like Ashwin & Jadeja and proved Indian bowlers could dominate overseas.
- Post-Retirement Contributions: Became a mentor, commentator, and politician (Rajya Sabha MP, 2022), continuing to impact Indian cricket and society.
