India batting greats Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman took to twitter to pay tribute to the veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh which was followed by a bunch of cricketers with the likes of Anil Kumble, Sreesanth, Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan, Kuldeep Yadav, Pragyan Ojha and many more.
The 41-year old garnered heaps of compliments for his immense contribution to the Indian cricket as he announced his retirement on Friday (December 24).
Harbhajan was congratulated by his former India and Mumbai Indians (MI) teammate Sachin Tendulkar,
He posted on twitter, "What a wonderful and fulfilling career, Bhajji! I first met you at India nets in '95-over the years, we have been part of wonderful memories. You have been a great team man, playing with all your heart. Both on the field and off it- it is always fun to have you as a part of any team. I cannot forget all the moments of laughter. You have done your best for India in your long career, we are all very proud of you. Wishing you happiness and success in the 'doosra' phase of your career."
The former India star Test batter Laxman, who had piled 8781 runs in Test cricket, was all praise for his contemporary terming Harbhajan ‘a true competitor who fashioned many wonderful Indian victory.’
Laxman posted on Twitter: “Hearty congratulations to my great mate @harbhajan_singh on a remarkable career! A tremendous exponent of off-spin, a gifted batsman and a true competitor who fashioned many a wonderful Indian victory. Best wishes for the future, Bhajji, go well!” he said in a tweet.
Indian pacer S. Sreesanth, who had a terrible episode with the Turbanator in an IPL match back in 2008 in a brawl where Harbhajan planted a slap on the pacer’s face, also lauded the Jalandhar-born spinner.
“@harbhajan_singh Ur gonna be the one of the best ever played cricket not just for India but in world of cricket. It’s a huge honour to know u and to have played with you b bhajjipa ….will always cherish the lovely hugs( lucky for me ) before my spells ) lots of love and respect,” his tweet said.
Indian spin legend Anil Kumble, who had scalped the most 619 wickets for India in Tests, said that it was wonderful to bowl against Harbhajan.
“Congratulations Bhajji on a great career. It was wonderful to bowl alongside you. Created a lot of good memories on the field. Have a fantastic second innings partner. Best wishes to you and family,” Kumble said.
The 2011 WC match winner Gautam Gambhir termed Harbhajan ‘a true superstar’ in a tweet.
"Those who say cricket is becoming a batsman’s game should look at your career. You’re a true superstar
@harbhajan_singh!" he said.
The former stylist India batter Suresh Raina too wished the dazzling off-spinner all the best for future.
“Your contribution to Indian cricket will always be cherished, @harbhajan_singh paaji wishing you all the best for your future,” Raina wrote on Twitter.
The former India cricketer and the highest run-scorer in Ranji Trophy cricket, Wasim Jaffer congratulated Bhajji on a phenomenal career.
"A champion performer on the field and the life of the team off it. Congratulations on a phenomenal career
@harbhajan_singh good luck for your second innings," Jaffer's tweet said.
Shikhar Dhawan too joined the list with his words of compliments.
“Congratulations on a wonderful career Pajhi Hugging face Your contribution to cricket has been immense and it was a pleasure to play alongside you Smiling face with smiling eyes Enjoyed our great moments together on and off the field. Wishing you luck for your next innings @harbhajan_singh,” Dhawan posted on Twitter.
The 27-year old India spinner Kuldeep thanked Bhajji for guiding him.
“A legend of the game and a match winner for our country Flag of India Thank you @harbhajan_singh Paaji for your guidance and helping me with my game. You will be missed. Best wishes,” Kuldeep tweeted.
Ex-India star pacer RP Singh called Harbhajan a legend of the game and wished him for the new innings of life.
“Bhajju Pa with 711 international wickets has been a legend but he was always been a very humble teammate and inspiration for all the boys who came from the small towns. I am sure your new innings will be as rocking!@harbhajan_singh #harbhajansingh #Bhajj,” RP said.
Parthiv Patel called Harbhajan ‘a truly great player’.
“More than a truly great player, Bhajju Pa was always a big brother for all the juniors. @harbhajan_singh would make us laugh all the time and was someone who always made the dressing room like our home. Best wishes in your new innings. #harbhajansingh,” he tweeted.
Pragyan Ojha too chiped as he heaped praise with a tweet that said,” Congratulations bhajju pa on a splendid career, something that the entire country is proud of. Wishing you the best for the future endeavours. Also a big thank you for being an inspiration to many budding young spinners. God bless you and the family!”
Munaf Patel’s tweet said,” Congratulations Bhajju paaa for ur amaizing career our contribution will be remembered forever
@harbhajan_singh #retirement #harbhajansingh.”
The celebrated cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle too wished Harbhajan for the great career he had.
“What a great career @harbhajan_singh. Wonderful to see you flower from a slim, young, talented cricketer to a match-winner. Wish you lots of happiness and satisfaction. You gave your family so much to be proud of,” he said.
Board of control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and its secretary Jay Shah also tweeted on Harbhajan’s retirement.
“As Harbhajan Singh bids adieu to all forms of cricket, we wish him the very best. Good luck for the future, @harbhajan_singh. #TeamIndia,” said a tweet posted by BCCI.
“Congratulations @harbhajan_singh on a phenomenal career with #TeamIndia spanning almost two decades. You played with grit and passion and wore your heart on your sleeve. My best wishes for all your future endeavours,” Jay Shah said in a tweet.
