One of the greatest off-spinners in the history of the game, veteran cricketer Harbhajan Singh has called time on what has been an illustrious cricket career across all formats. The former Indian spinner announced his retirement from all forms of competitive cricket on Friday (December 24, 2021). Nicknamed the Turbanator, Harbhajan was earlier in speculations about bidding farewell to professional cricket as a player after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. 

One of the most decorated cricketers in the history of the cash-rich league, Harbhajan plied his trade with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in his final IPL season. Harbhajan has decided to call time on an iconic career after scalping 711 wickets in the international arena. “All good things come to an end,” Harbhajan said while sharing a moving post to announce his retirement from professional cricket. With one of the greatest spinners bidding farewell to the game, let’s take a look at some of the major records held by Harbhajan aka The Turbanator. 

First Indian to take Test hat-trick

Harbhajan enjoyed memorable duels with several Australian greats during his international career. In 2001, Harbhajan entered his name in the history books by becoming the first Indian bowler to take a Test match hat-trick. Leading India’s bowling attack in the second Test against Australia at the Eden Gardens, Harbhajan dismissed Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist and Shane Warne to take a sensational hat-trick. VVS Laxman’s 281-run knock had also arrived in the same Test match.  

Historic two-wicket maiden overs in T20Is

Making a sensational comeback for India, Harbahan managed to rewrite history by bowling two-wicket maiden overs in T20I cricket. Harbhajan had returned figures of 4-12 as India hammered England in their final group game of the ICC World T20 2012. Harbhajan also held the record of bowling most maiden overs for India in T20Is (5). However, his record was shattered by Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah who has now bowled 8 maidens in the shortest format. 

First Indian off-spinner to take 400 Test wickets

Before Ravichandran Ashwin joined the special club, it was Harbhajan who became the first Indian off-spinner to take 400 Test wickets. Harbhajan achieved the historic feat in 2011 against the West Indies. The former Indian spinner was recently surpassed by Ashwin in the list of highest-taker for India in Tests. Harbhajan is India’s 4th highest wicket-taker with 417 dismissals under his belt. The iconic spinner played 103 Test matches for India.

2nd highest Indian wicket-taker in IPL 

Harbhajan also enjoyed a glorious career in domestic cricket’s biggest extravaganza – the IPL. Harbhajan has lifted the famous trophy on four occasions in his legendary IPL career. Harbhajan’s KKR made it to the final of the IPL last season. The veteran spinner is also the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the history of IPL. The former KKR spinner has taken 150 wickets from 163 IPL matches. Harbhajan was a part of IPL-winning sides at Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Harbhajan is also the second-highest Indian wicket-taker in the cash-rich league.