Harbhajan Singh has made formal announcement to walk away from all forms of competitive cricket. But his active association with the game will continue.
The seasoned off-spinner had confirmed to this correspondent last week that he has been engaged in talks with several Indian Premier League franchisees. The turbanator, who had spent a major part of his ₹ 2-crore association with Kolkata Knight Riders in the dugout during the IPL 2021, is set to join an Indian Premier League franchisee think tank.
A return to KKR or Mumbai Indian in the new role cannot be ruled out.
Harbhajan, the first Indian to take a Test hat-trick, announced his retirement on Friday via social media.
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All good things come to an end and today as I bid adieu to the game that has given me everything in life, I would like to thank everyone who made this 23-year-long journey beautiful and memorable.
My heartfelt thank you 🙏 Grateful .https://t.co/iD6WHU46MU— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) December 24, 2021
While contemplating retirement and negotiating a deal for a new Indian Premier League role, the Jallandhar-born cricketer has also been working on his autobiography.
In a career spanning 107 Tests, Harbhajan signed off with 417 wickets – fourth highest for an Indian bowler. Only Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev and R Ashwin have more.
“In my mind, I retired earlier but I am making the announcement today. My journey from the streets of Jalandhar to become the Turnabator for Team India has been a beautiful one. There is no bigger motivation for me in life than stepping out on the field, wearing the India jersey. There comes a time in life where we have to take a tough decision, you have to move forward in life. I was waiting for the last few years to make this announcement public — I am retiring from all forms of cricket,” Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel wearing an India blazer.
Speculation is also rife about Harbhajan joining politics. Punjab State Congress Committee president and former India cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu had fanned the speculation by posted his and Harbhajan Singh picture on social media. The 41-year-old cricketer did not rule out a stint in politics, but said this will be too early to say anything about that.
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