Harbhajan Singh nickname: The story behind Harbhajan's iconic moniker - Turbanator

India's legendary off-spinner Harbhajan Singh
India's legendary off-spinner Harbhajan Singh

Highlights:

Harbhajan Singh is affectionately called "Sonu" by his family.

The nickname "Bhajji" was given to him by the former cricketer Nayan Mongia.

Harbhajan Singh is a well-known name in the world of cricket, revered by millions of fans. Known affectionately as "Bhajji," a nickname given to him by former Indian wicketkeeper Nayan Mongia, Harbhajan Singh is also called "Sonu" by his family. Over his illustrious career, Harbhajan established himself as a formidable right-arm off-spinner, causing havoc among batters with his spinning deliveries before retiring from the sport.

 

Harbhajan Singh first came into the limelight during a series against the formidable Australian team. His performance in those matches earned him the nickname "Turbanator" from the Australian media, a term derived from his ability to completely disrupt the opposition. The nickname was a testament to his impactful performances, particularly against Australian batters who often struggled to decipher his spin bowling.

 

Harbhajan Singh's hattrick

Throughout his career, Harbhajan Singh was a pivotal figure for the Indian cricket team. He is renowned for being the first Indian bowler to take a Test hat-trick, which he achieved in 2001 against Australia. This historic moment included the dismissals of prominent players like Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, and Shane Warne. Besides his remarkable bowling achievements, Harbhajan also scored two centuries in Test cricket, showcasing his versatility as a player.

 

ALSO READ: Yusuf Pathan's 78-run knock in vain as Australia beat India by 23 runs; Dan Christian steals the show with 7 sixes to help Aussies qualify for semis

 

Harbhajan Singh - 2 time World Cup winner

Harbhajan's impact was not limited to just bowling; he played a crucial role in India's victories in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 World Cup. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he played 236 matches and took 269 wickets. His T20 international career includes 28 matches with 25 wickets. In Tests, he played 103 matches, claiming 417 wickets in total. His IPL career featured stints with Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, where he continued to be an effective spinner.

 

ALSO READ: England announce playing XI for James Anderson's farewell Test vs West Indies at Lord's, Bairstow's replacement and KKR pacer to make debut

 

Post-retirement, Harbhajan Singh has explored various avenues, including cinema and politics, diversifying his professional pursuits beyond cricket. His transition from a sports icon to a public figure in different fields shows his multifaceted personality and his ability to adapt and thrive in new environments.

 

MORE ON SPORTS TAK:

India to face Pakistan on this date and venue; leaked Champions Trophy 2025 schedule reveals complete fixtures

WATCH - Andre Russell makes ball disappear, hits Haris Rauf for astronomical 107-meter six