“No one told me why I was dropped”: Harbhajan Singh

Bhajji retired from all the formats of international cricket on Friday

Harbhajan Singh popularly known as the Turbanator announced his retirement from all the formats of international cricket on Friday. The 41-year-old said that "in many ways, I had already retired", but because of his commitments with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, was forced to delay the announcement. 

The Turbanator made his debut for India back in 1998 against New Zealand and played his last match in 2016 against UAE. 

Harbhajan was not a regular face in the Indian squad after the 2011 World Cup, with R Ashwin taking over the mantle of the team’s spin ace.

However, he believes that he would have ended his journey with 500-550 wickets.

"As long as there is support, it feels great. I would say that if the support had come at the right time, I would have taken 500-550 wickets long ago, because when I was 31 years old I had taken 400 wickets and if I had played for three-four more years I would have taken 500-550 wickets," Harbhajan said in an interview with Dainik Jagran.

The former India spinner pointed out taking 400 wickets in Test cricket was no mean feat but he was not treated with respect by those in charge. Harbhajan said he tried to get in charge with a lot of people over his ouster from the Indian team but didn't get the answers he wanted. The veteran spinner called it the 'sad story of Indian cricket' to not treat players with respect once they are not required in the team.

"I asked them if I suddenly lost my appearance or my bowling has deteriorated or what has happened that you are not choosing me at all. There was no answer to this. And if this can happen to the 400 wicket-taker, then no one will ask the 40 wicket-taker. This is a sad story of Indian cricket where the one who has achieved something, isn't even talked to properly after he is not needed," he explained.

One of the most memorable moments of his career was when he took 32 wickets in three Tests, including the first Test hat-trick by an Indian, against Australia in March 2001.

Harbhajan was also the senior spinner in the squad for the 2011 World Cup. He took 9 wickets in the tournament as team India lifted the trophy after 28years.

Meanwhile, Harbhajan finished his career with some magnificent numbers, in 103 Tests he claimed 417 wickets, in 236 ODIs, and the Turbanator claimed 269 wickets. Bhajji was also known for his lower-order batting exploits as he has a couple of Test centuries Registered on his name.

After retirement, the reports are going around that Harbhajan will join the support staff of a major IPL franchise as he has always shown a keen interest in grooming players.