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'''Harbhajan Singh''' (born 3 July 1980), also known by his nickname '''Bhajji''', is a former Indian [[cricket]]er who is widely regarded as one of the greatest off-spin bowlers of all time. He later became a [[politics|politician]], serving as a [[Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha|Member of Parliament]] in [[Rajya Sabha]]. He is also a film actor, a television celebrity and a [[Sports commentator|cricket commentator]].
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==Early years and personal life==
Harbhajan was born into a [[Sikh]] family. He is the only son of Sardar Sardev Singh Plaha, a Sikh Freedom Fighter who owned a [[ball bearing]] and [[valve]] factory.<ref name="bbcfire">{{cite news |title=The renaissance of Harbhajan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/1638947.stm |date=5 November 2001 |access-date=12 February 2007 |publisher=BBC |archive-date=24 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724031130/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/1638947.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="rediff">{{cite web |title=Bhajji and his papa's dream |url=http://clients.rediff.com/philipseyefi/bhaji.htm |publisher=[[Rediff]] |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070203051602/http://clients.rediff.com/philipseyefi/bhaji.htm |archive-date=3 February 2007}}</ref> Growing up with five sisters, Harbhajan was in line to inherit the family business, but his father insisted that he concentrate on his cricket career and represent India.<ref name="rediff"/>
Harbhajan was trained as a [[batsman]] by his first coach Charanjit Singh Bhullar, but converted to spin bowling after his coach's untimely death saw him turn to the tutelage of Davinder Arora. Arora credits Harbhajan's success to a work ethic that included a three-hour training session in the morning, followed by an afternoon session lasting from 3 pm until after sunset.<ref name="rediff"/>
Following the death of his father in 2000, Harbhajan became the family head, and by 2001 had organised marriages for three of his sisters.<ref name="bbcfire"/> In 2002 he ruled out his own marriage until at least 2008.<ref>{{cite news |title=I'll eat anything |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/224663.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |year=2002 |access-date=2 March 2007 |archive-date=13 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071113150609/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/224663.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2005 he again fended off marriage rumours linking him to a [[Bangalore]]-based bride, stating that he would only make a decision "after a couple of years", and that he would be seeking a [[Punjabi people|Punjabi]] bride selected by his family.<ref>{{cite news |title=Harbhajan denies marriage reports |url=http://www.chennaionline.com/cricket/Features/2005/01news12.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071112164249/http://chennaionline.com/cricket/Features/2005/01news12.asp |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 November 2007 |publisher=Chennai Online |date=6 January 2005 |access-date=2 March 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Harbhajan-Basra to tie the knot in September |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Harbhajan-Basra-to-tie-the-knot-in-September/articleshow/13406052.cms |access-date=23 May 2012 |work=The Times of India |archive-date=24 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524181125/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Harbhajan-Basra-to-tie-the-knot-in-September/articleshow/13406052.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> In a country where cricketers are idolised, Harbhajan's performances have brought him government accolades and lucrative sponsorships. Following his performance against [[Australian cricket team|Australia]] in 2001, the [[Government of Punjab, India|Government of Punjab]] awarded him {{INRConvert|5|l|lk=on}}, a plot of land, and an offer to become a Deputy Superintendent of Police in Punjab Police, which he did not comply (accept) later.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/sports/cricket/punjab-govt-withdraws-dsp-job-offer-given-to-harbhajan-10-years-6761.html |title=Punjab govt withdraws DSP job offer given to Harbhajan 10 years ago |date=30 October 2012 |access-date=22 April 2021 |archive-date=22 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422094026/https://www.indiatvnews.com/sports/cricket/punjab-govt-withdraws-dsp-job-offer-given-to-harbhajan-10-years-6761.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Despite having a job offer with the constabulary, Harbhajan sustained minor injuries in March 2002 in an altercation with police outside the team hotel in [[Guwahati]]. The scuffle broke out when Harbhajan remonstrated with officers after they refused to allow a photographer into the hotel. Harbhajan cut his bowling arm and injured his elbow when he was struck by the police. Extensive negotiations from local officials and organisers were required to dissuade Harbhajan and captain [[Sourav Ganguly]] from leaving the area after Ganguly said that the Indian team would abandon the scheduled match against [[Zimbabwean cricket team|Zimbabwe]].<ref name="cops"/>
Harbhajan was caught at [[Auckland airport]] for failing to declare that he had filthy boots in his luggage. His only excuse was that he "couldn't be bothered" complying with [[New Zealand]] quarantine laws. He was fined $200 on the spot.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2002/dec/02foot.htm |title=Indians fined for entering NZ with dirty shoes |work=[[Rediff]] |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-date=6 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170506072048/http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2002/dec/02foot.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
One of his common nicknames, outside India, is ''The Turbanator'', deriving from his skill as a bowler in terminating the innings of the opposing team, and the fact that, as a [[Sikh]], he wears a [[turban]] whenever he plays.<ref>{{cite news |first=Chloe |last=Saltau |title="I'll be back", says the Turbanator |url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/12/09/1070732211286.html |work=The Age |location=Melbourne |date=10 December 2003 |access-date=1 March 2007 |archive-date=15 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080115090950/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/12/09/1070732211286.html? |url-status=live }}</ref> Among Indians, Harbhajan is more commonly known as ''bhajji''.<!--meaning? language?--><!-- HarBHAJan--><ref name="rediff"/> It was estimated in 2005 that Harbhajan was the most recognised and commercially viable Indian cricketer after [[Sachin Tendulkar]], in part due to his colourful personality and iconic turban, as well as his reputation for enjoying the celebrity social scene.<ref name="es"/> His signing for English [[county cricket|county team]] [[Surrey County Cricket Club|Surrey]] in 2005, based at [[The Oval]] in [[London]], was partly attributed to his marketability. Harbhajan had generated a large personal following in the western London suburb of [[Southall]], which boasts a majority [[Punjabi Sikh |Punjabi Sikh population]], when he lived there in 1998 while training under [[Fred Titmus]].<ref name="es">{{cite news |first=Vivek |last=Chaudhary |title=Bank on Turbanator |url=https://www.questia.com/newspaper/1G1-129902969/bank-on-turbanator-harbhajan-singh-is-an-icon-in |work=[[Evening Standard]] |date=8 March 2005 |access-date=2 March 2007 |archive-date=12 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812142425/https://www.questia.com/newspaper/1G1-129902969/bank-on-turbanator-harbhajan-singh-is-an-icon-in |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Harbhajan Singh & Geeta Basra at Rakesh Roshan’s birthday bash.jpg |thumb |200px |Singh with wife [[Geeta Basra]] at [[Rakesh Roshan]]'s birthday bash in 2017]]
In 2006 Harbhajan's endorsements generated controversy when he appeared without his [[Turban (Sikhism)|turban]] in an advertisement for [[Royal Stag]] [[whisky]]. This angered many orthodox Sikhs, leading to anti-Harbhajan protests in the Sikh holy city of [[Amritsar]], with [[effigy|effigies]] of Harbhajan being burnt.<ref>{{cite news |title=Strictures for Harbhajan over commercial |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/261738.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=7 February 2007 |date=7 October 2006 |archive-date=12 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120712000325/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/261738.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Sikh clergy and [[Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee]] demanded an apology from him and asked Seagram's to withdraw the advert, on the basis that it had "hurt the feelings of Sikhs". Harbhajan quickly issued an apology, but he was also unhappy at the clergy's interference, stating "If they were unhappy, they should have called me and talked to me like a son".<ref>{{cite news |title=Bhajji can't let hair down: SGPC |work=Sunday Times of India |publisher=Times News Network |page=7 |date=9 October 2006}}</ref> Harbhajan was also a brand ambassador for eBikeGo.<ref>{{cite web |date=11 August 2020 |title=eBikeGo appoints Harbhajan Singh as a brand ambassador |url=https://www.livemint.com/industry/advertising/ebikego-appoints-harbhajan-singh-as-brand-ambassador-11597145873348.html |access-date=11 August 2020 |work=LiveMint |archive-date=7 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307131801/https://www.livemint.com/industry/advertising/ebikego-appoints-harbhajan-singh-as-brand-ambassador-11597145873348.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Harbhajan married his longtime girlfriend, actress [[Geeta Basra]], on 29 October 2015 in Jalandhar.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Harbhajan-Singh-Geeta-Basra-tie-the-knot/articleshow/49579495.cms |title=Harbhajan Singh-Geeta Basra tie the knot |newspaper=Times of India |date=29 October 2015 |access-date=29 October 2015 |archive-date=1 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151101015439/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Harbhajan-Singh-Geeta-Basra-tie-the-knot/articleshow/49579495.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/harbhajan-singh-ties-the-knot-with-geeta-basra-jalandhar-wedding-pictures/1/510066.html |title=Harbhajan Singh ties the knot with Geeta Basra, Sachin-Anjali bless the newlyweds |magazine=India Today |date=29 October 2015 |access-date=29 October 2015 |archive-date=29 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029194516/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/harbhajan-singh-ties-the-knot-with-geeta-basra-jalandhar-wedding-pictures/1/510066.html |url-status=live }}</ref> They have a daughter, born on 27 July 2016,<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/harbhajan-singh-geeta-basra-pregnant-baby-girl-child-london-331917-2016-07-28 |title=Harbhajan Singh and Geeta Basra welcome baby girl in London |agency=Ist |newspaper=India Today |access-date=6 May 2019 |archive-date=6 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506013931/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/harbhajan-singh-geeta-basra-pregnant-baby-girl-child-london-331917-2016-07-28 |url-status=live }}</ref> and a son, born on 10 July 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/harbhajan-singh-geeta-basra-baby-boy-pregnancy-journey-prenatal-yoga-maternity-fashion-7398261/lite/ |title=Harbhajan Singh, Geeta Basra welcome a baby boy: A look at the new mom's pregnancy journey |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=10 July 2021 |access-date=11 July 2021 |archive-date=11 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711203300/https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/harbhajan-singh-geeta-basra-baby-boy-pregnancy-journey-prenatal-yoga-maternity-fashion-7398261/lite/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Domestic career==
Harbhajan broke into the [[Punjab cricket team (India)|Punjab]] Under-16s at the age of 15 years and 4 months in November of the 1995–96 season, and took 7/46 and 5/138 on debut against [[Haryana cricket team|Haryana]], setting up a nine-wicket win. He scored 56 in his next match against [[Delhi cricket team|Delhi]] and then took 11/79 in his third match against [[Himachal Pradesh cricket team|Himachal Pradesh]], orchestrating an innings win. He ended with 32 wickets at 15.15 and 96 runs at 48.00 in four matches. He was rewarded with selection for [[North Zone cricket team|North Zone]] Under-16s, a team that represents all of northern India for a one-day series, in which he took two wickets at 43.50 in four matches and scored 18 runs.<ref name=o>{{cite web | url=https://cricketarchive.com/cgi-bin/player_oracle_reveals_results2.cgi?playernumber=7121&opponentmatch=exact&playername=Halcombe&resulttype=All&matchtype=All&teammatch=exact&startwicket=&homeawaytype=All&opponent=&endwicket=&wicketkeeper=&searchtype=InningsList&endscore=&playermatch=contains&branding=cricketarchive&captain=&endseason=&startscore=&team=&startseason= | title=Player Oracle Harbhajan Singh | access-date=9 December 2008 | website=CricketArchive | archive-date=14 March 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100314130034/http://www.cricketarchive.com/cgi-bin/player_oracle_reveals_results2.cgi?playernumber=7121&opponentmatch=exact&playername=Halcombe&resulttype=All&matchtype=All&teammatch=exact&startwicket=&homeawaytype=All&opponent=&endwicket=&wicketkeeper=&searchtype=InningsList&endscore=&playermatch=contains&branding=cricketarchive&captain=&endseason=&startscore=&team=&startseason= | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| title =New Zealand in India, 1999/00 Test Series Averages| url=http://aus.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1999-2000/NZ_IN_IND/STATS/NZ_IN_IND_SEP-NOV1999_TEST_AVS.html|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=28 February 2007}}</ref> At the end of the season, he was called into the national Under-19 team at the age of 15 years and 9 months for a youth One Day International against [[South Africa cricket team|South Africa]]. He took 1/19 from seven overs in an [[Indian cricket team|Indian]] win.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
In 1996–97, Harbhajan was promoted to the Punjab Under-19s and he took 15 wickets at 20.20 in three matches, although he managed only two runs with the bat. This included match figures of 8/54 in an innings win over [[Jammu and Kashmir cricket team|Jammu and Kashmir]].{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
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Harbhajan's season was interrupted when he represented India at the Under-19 World Cup in January 1998. He played in six matches, taking eight wickets at 24.75 with a best of 3/5 against [[Kenya cricket team|Kenya]].{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
After returning to India, he played in three more Ranji Trophy matches, and from a total of six matches, he took 18 wickets at an [[bowling average|average]] of 22.50, ranking outside the top 20 in wicket taking.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bowling – Most Wickets |url=http://www1.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1997-98/IND_LOCAL/RANJI/STATS/IND_LOCAL_RANJI_AVS_BOWL_MOST_WKTS.html |access-date=17 January 2007 |work=ESPNcricinfo |archive-date=12 September 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050912163916/http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1997-98/IND_LOCAL/RANJI/STATS/IND_LOCAL_RANJI_AVS_BOWL_MOST_WKTS.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He took a total of 5/131 as North lost to [[East Zone cricket team|East Zone]] by five wickets.<ref>{{cite news |title=East Zone v North Zone at Hyderabad, Dec 1–5, 1997 |url=http://www1.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1997-98/IND_LOCAL/DULEEP/EAST_NORTH_DULEEP_01-05DEC1997.html |access-date=17 January 2007 |work=ESPNcricinfo |archive-date=24 April 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050424151327/http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1997-98/IND_LOCAL/DULEEP/EAST_NORTH_DULEEP_01-05DEC1997.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Harbhajan played the full [[2009 Indian Premier League]] season in South Africa, taking 12 wickets at 21.33 and an economy rate of 5.81 in 13 matches. He was one of the most economical bowlers in the competition, and took 1/9 in four overs against Punjab to win the man of the match award. He ended the season with 4/17 against Delhi, but it was not enough to prevent a four-wicket defeat.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
During the [[2010 Indian Premier League|2010 IPL season]], he finished as the Mumbai Indian's leading wicket taker with 17 victims at an average of 22.17 helping his team to reach the final.<ref>{{Cite web |title=IPLT20.com – Indian Premier League Official Website |url=https://www.iplt20.com/stats/2010/most-runs |access-date=6 April 2021 |website=Iplt20.com |language=en |archive-date=12 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412074157/https://www.iplt20.com/stats/2010/most-runs |url-status=live }}</ref> Harbhajan opened the bowling during [[2010 Indian Premier League final|the final]] vs Chennai Super Kings but went wicketless and was promoted as a pinch hitter to number 4 in the batting order but could only contribute 1 run in the defeat.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Full Scorecard of Super Kings vs Mum Indians Final 2009/10 – Score Report |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2009-10-418064/mumbai-indians-vs-chennai-super-kings-final-419165/full-scorecard |access-date=6 April 2021 |work=ESPNcricinfo |language=en |archive-date=10 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410191130/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2009-10-418064/mumbai-indians-vs-chennai-super-kings-final-419165/full-scorecard |url-status=live }}</ref>
Harbhajan had a largely successful [[2011 Indian Premier League|2011 IPL]] as part of an effective Mumbai Indians bowling attack. He took 5 for 18 against Chennai Super Kings during the round robin part of the tournament which are the best bowling figures of any player at the Wankhede Stadium in the IPL<ref>{{Cite web |title=Full Scorecard of Mum Indians vs Super Kings 25th match 2011 – Score Report |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2011-466304/mumbai-indians-vs-chennai-super-kings-25th-match-501221/full-scorecard |access-date=6 April 2021 |work=ESPNcricinfo |language=en |archive-date=17 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117130536/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2011-466304/mumbai-indians-vs-chennai-super-kings-25th-match-501221/full-scorecard |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=6 April 2021 |title=IPL records at the Wankhede Stadium |url=https://t20-head-to-head.com/ipl-records-at-the-wankhede-stadium/ |access-date=6 April 2021 |website=T20 Head to Head |language=en-GB |archive-date=22 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622230758/https://t20-head-to-head.com/ipl-records-at-the-wankhede-stadium/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, the team's form faltered during the playoffs as they lost back to back matches to [[Kolkata Knight Riders]] and [[Chennai Super Kings]] to miss out on the final.
After injuries, he returned to competitive cricket to lead the [[Mumbai Indians]] to [[2011 Champions League Twenty20]] title, but fell out of favor with the national selectors. He was not chosen in the home series squad against England in October and West Indies in November and December. Mumbai Indians won their first ever championship under his captaincy, winning the Champions League by 31 runs. Harbhajan was man of the match for his contribution.
He went on to play the 2012 IPL which was not that successful for him, but took his team to the semi-final while being captain. Harbhajan went to play for Essex in England but is not selected for the Sri Lankan tour before the [[2012 ICC World Twenty20]]. In his debut match for Essex against Gloucestershire, Harbhajan did not take any wicket on 12 July 2012, conceding 33 runs in his 12 overs. He was bought by Chennai Super Kings in 2018 after 10 years with Mumbai Indians.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Cricket/CricketNews/Harbhajan-goes-wicketless-in-debut-match-for-Essex/Article1-887964.aspx |title=Harbhajan goes wicketless in debut match for Essex |date=13 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120713143439/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Cricket/CricketNews/Harbhajan-goes-wicketless-in-debut-match-for-Essex/Article1-887964.aspx |archive-date=13 July 2012}}</ref> On 20 January 2021 Harbajan announced his contract ended with Chennai Super Kings.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Harbhajan Singh Announces End Of CSK Contract. Cricket News |url=https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/harbhajan-singh-announces-end-csk-contract-2355244 |access-date=20 January 2021 |website=NDTVSports.com |language=en |archive-date=20 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120074356/https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/harbhajan-singh-announces-end-csk-contract-2355244 |url-status=live }}</ref> He was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders during the 2021 IPL auction for a sum of 2 crore<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 February 2021 |title=IPL Auction 2021: Full List Of Sold Players At The Indian Premier League Auction |url=https://wisden.com/stories/global-t20-leagues/indian-premier-league-2021/ipl-2021-full-list-of-sold-players-at-the-indian-premier-league-auction |access-date=6 April 2021 |website=Wisden |language=en-GB |archive-date=6 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306114344/https://wisden.com/stories/global-t20-leagues/indian-premier-league-2021/ipl-2021-full-list-of-sold-players-at-the-indian-premier-league-auction |url-status=live }}</ref>
Harbhajan Singh is the captain of Manipal Tigers team in
===Doorstep to international arena===
After taking eight wickets in his next two Ranji matches, Harbhajan [[Indian cricket team in Australia in 1999-2000|was selected to tour Australia in 1999–2000]], as the second spinner. He did not play in the Tests, with India opting to field only [[Anil Kumble]] in the team.<ref>{{cite news |first=Partab |last=Ramchand |title=Faulty team selection may prove to be a handicap |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/82999.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=2 November 1999 |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=8 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708080853/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/82999.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=India in Australia, 1999/00 Test Series Averages |url=http://aus.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1999-2000/IND_IN_AUS/STATS/IND_IN_AUS_NOV1999-FEB2000_TEST_AVS.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007}}</ref> Australia whitewashed India 3–0, and Harbhajan struggled in his only first-class outing against [[Tasmanian Tigers|Tasmania]], taking 0/141, a portent of future unsuccessful tours to Australia.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
Harbhajan was not part of the ODI squad for the Australian tour and upon returning to India in early 2000 needed strong first-class results to maintain his Test position. He went wicketless against Hyderabad, and was selected for the Board President's XI match against the touring South Africans. He took 2/88 and 2/59 and scored 38 and 39 to prevent the hosts being bowled out and defeated, but was dropped as the second slow bowler, as [[Murali Kartik]] became Kumble's spinning partner.<ref>{{cite news |title=South Africa in India, 1999/00 Test Series Averages |url=http://aus.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1999-2000/RSA_IN_IND/STATS/RSA_IN_IND_1999-2000_TEST_AVS.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007}}</ref> Harbhajan returned to domestic action, taking 24 wickets in Punjab's remaining four first-class matches.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} He ended the Indian season with 46 first-class wickets at 26.23.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
In mid-2000 an opportunity arose when Harbhajan was selected in the first group of trainees sent to the [[National Cricket Academy]] to study under [[Erapalli Prasanna]] and [[Srinivas Venkataraghavan]], two off spin bowlers from the [[Indian spin quartet]] of the 1970s. However, his behaviour did not conform to requirements, and he was expelled on disciplinary grounds.<ref name="bbcfire"/><ref>{{cite news |first=Woorkheri |last=Raman |title=Harbhajan has overcome problems and succeeded |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/103827.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=29 June 2001 |access-date=7 February 2007 |archive-date=10 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710144721/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/103827.html |url-status=live }}</ref> His sponsorship job with [[Indian Airlines]] was also reviewed as a result of his indiscipline.<ref name="bbcfire"/><ref>{{cite news |first=Anand |last=Vasu |title=Harbhajan Singh:Succeeding in trying circumstances |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/105432.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=23 March 2001 |access-date=7 February 2007 |archive-date=31 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731103348/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/105432.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Harbhajan later admitted that he had been at fault earlier in his career.<ref>{{cite news |first=Rahul |last=Bhattacharya |title=I'll eat anything |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/224663.html |date=January 2002 |access-date=7 February 2007 |archive-date=13 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071113150609/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/224663.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Following his run-ins with Indian cricket administrators, there was nothing to indicate that Harbhajan's chances of national selection had improved at the start of 2000–01. Despite Kumble being injured, Harbhajan was again overlooked as Kartik, [[Sunil Joshi]], and debutant [[Sarandeep Singh]] were entrusted with the spin bowling duties in Test matches against [[Bangladesh cricket team|Bangladesh]] and [[Zimbabwe cricket team|Zimbabwe]] on the subcontinent.<ref>{{cite news |title=India in Bangladesh, 2000/01 Test Match Averages |url=http://aus.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2000-01/IND_IN_BDESH/IND_IN_BDESH_NOV2000_TEST_AVS.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=6 July 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040706100720/http://aus.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2000-01/IND_IN_BDESH/IND_IN_BDESH_NOV2000_TEST_AVS.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Zimbabwe in India, 2000/01 Test Series Averages |url=http://aus.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2000-01/ZIM_IN_IND/STATS/ZIM_IN_IND_NOV-DEC2000_TEST_AVS.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=1 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120701174426/http://aus.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2000-01/ZIM_IN_IND/STATS/ZIM_IN_IND_NOV-DEC2000_TEST_AVS.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
During the first half of the season, still in international exile, Harbhajan continued to pick up wickets on the domestic circuit. In five [[Ranji Trophy]] matches, he claimed 28 wickets at 13.96. He claimed 3/29 and 3/39 against [[Himachal Pradesh cricket team|Himachal Pradesh]], 2/53 and 5/88 against [[Jammu and Kashmir cricket team|Jammu and Kashmir]], 4/77 and 2/33 against [[Haryana cricket team|Haryana]] and 5/40 against Services in the first four matches, all of which ended in innings wins for Punjab. He then took a total of 4/32 in a 199-run win over Delhi. Harbhajan's batting, which had rarely been productive up to this point in his career, also improved. He scored a career-best 84 against Haryana and added 52 against Services, aggregating 207 runs at 51.75.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} After taking eight wickets at 21.12 in six one-dayers, Harbhajan was selected for North in the Duleep Trophy, but his early-season form deserted him. He took five wickets at 39.00 in two matches, although he did continue his productive run with the bat, scoring 130 runs at 32.50 with three scores above 35. In October 2019, Harbhajan drafted his name into the Hundred at a base price of $100,000, risking his international retirement.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
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==International career==
===Debut days===
Despite the superior statistics of other bowlers in domestic cricket, Harbhajan was the selected for the Indian Board President's XI to play the touring [[Australian cricket team]] ahead of the Tests. He managed only 1/127,{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} and was ignored for the first two Tests before being selected to make his Test debut in the [[Australian cricket team in India in 1997-98|Third Test against Australia]] in [[Bangalore]], where he scored 4 not out and a duck, and recorded the modest match figures of 2/136 as Australia won the match by eight wickets.<ref>{{cite news |title=3rd Test:India v Australia at Bangalore, Mar 25–28, 1998 |url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/engine/match/63796.html |access-date=15 January 2007 |work=ESPNcricinfo |archive-date=23 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070223070912/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/engine/match/63796.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He was subsequently overlooked for the triangular ODI tournament in India that followed the Tests, involving [[Zimbabwe cricket team|Zimbabwe]] in addition to Australia, but was selected for all group matches in the triangular tournament that followed soon after in [[Sharjah (city)|Sharjah]], where he made his ODI debut against [[New Zealand cricket team|New Zealand]]. He took 1/32 from ten overs on debut as India narrowly won by 15 runs. He then took 3/41 in the next match, a defeat against Australia, but then struggled in the second qualifying match against the same team, taking 1/63 in eight overs. He was subsequently dropped for the final against Australia, which India won, and ended the series with five wickets at 33.20 at an economy rate of 4.36.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
===1997– Struggling form===
Having made little success in this phase of his international career, averaging 37.75 per Test wicket to date, and overlooked by selectors, Harbhajan faced a difficult decision. His father had recently died; as the family's only son, Harbhajan was now obliged to support his mother and unmarried sisters. He contemplated quitting cricket and moving to the United States to drive trucks for a living.<ref>{{cite news |first=Rahul |last=Bhattacharya |title=The heart of the matter |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/cricinfomagazine/content/story/236016.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=27 February 2007 |archive-date=11 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711193213/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/cricinfomagazine/content/story/236016.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After being out of the team for more than 12 months, there was little overt indication of the sudden rise that would occur in his cricketing career only a few months later.<ref name="bbcfire"/>
Harbhajan was then omitted from the team during a home triangular ODI tournament against [[Bangladesh cricket team|Bangladesh]] and [[Kenyan cricket team|Kenya]], after taking 0/18 from four overs in his only match of the tournament against the former opponent,{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} but was recalled for the [[Singer Trophy]] in Sri Lanka and also involving New Zealand. Playing in all five matches, Harbhajan claimed eight wickets at an average of 24.12 and economy of 4.38 in this tournament, taking at least one scalp in each match. Harbhajan was retained for the final and took 1/57, his worst return for the series, in an Indian win. After being omitted for the [[Sahara Cup]] series against [[Pakistani cricket team|Pakistan]] in Toronto, Harbhajan played in a weakened Indian team at the [[1998 Commonwealth Games]] in [[Kuala Lumpur]], Malaysia. The matches were not given ODI status by the ICC, and India chose to send their better players to the Sahara Cup instead. India won their first two matches against [[Antigua cricket team|Antigua]] and [[Canada cricket team|Canada]], but Harbhajan managed only a total of 1/48 from 11 overs. The Indians then needed to beat a full-strength Australian outfit to win their group and progress to the semi-finals. Harbhajan was punished and went wicketless, conceding 50 runs in eight overs as Australia won by 146 runs, knocking India out of contention.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
===Recall to the team===
Harbhajan was then recalled to the first-choice team and took five wickets at an average of 22.60 at 3.89 runs an over from three matches on a [[Indian cricket team in Zimbabwe in 1998-99|tour to Zimbabwe]], in what would prove to be his last ODI appearances for India for more than two years. In all, he took 18 ODI wickets at an average of 27.2 during the 1998.{{Cn|date=July 2024}}
After taking 2/38 and 3/60 in an innings win in a tour match, Harbhajan was retained in the Test team, taking 2/42 and 3/63 in the only Test on the Zimbabwe tour. He was unbeaten on 15 in the second innings as the final wicket fell and India succumbed to a 51-run defeat.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
Returning to India, Harbhajan started the 1998–99 domestic season well, taking 3/54 and 5/39 in an innings win over Services, before following up with 6/69 and 1/93 in the next match against Delhi, claiming his first five-wicket innings haul. He then took 6/63 and scored 31 in the first innings of a match for the Board PResident's XI against a touring West Indies A, and was taken on the tour of New Zealand in December. In a tour match against [[Central Districts cricket team|Central Districts]], Harbhajan struggled, aggregating 2/112. He only played in one Test during the tour, and went wicketless, conceding 72 runs.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} Upon returning to India, he took a total of 3/158 for India A in a match against the touring Pakistanis ahead of the Tests. After being omitted for the First Test lost in [[Chennai]], he was recalled for the latter two matches against Pakistan, and took five wickets at 34.60 as the matches were split.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} He then took 3/127 in a high-scoring draw against Sri Lanka. In all, he claimed 13 wickets at an average of 36.8 in five Tests for the season. When he was free of international fixtures for the season, he played in the Ranji Trophy matches, claiming 27 wickets at an average of 24.59 in five matches, including his first five-wicket haul at first-class level.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bowling – Most Wickets |url=http://www1.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1998-99/IND_LOCAL/RANJI/STATS/IND_LOCAL_RANJI_AVS_BOWL_MOST_WKTS.html |access-date=17 January 2007 |work=ESPNcricinfo |archive-date=6 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706042053/https://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1998-99/IND_LOCAL/RANJI/STATS/IND_LOCAL_RANJI_AVS_BOWL_MOST_WKTS.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He also registered his maiden first-class fifty, scoring an unbeaten 67 against [[Tamil Nadu cricket team]].{{Cn|date=July 2024}}
Harbhajan took four wickets at 33.00 during the one-dayers during the season and was overlooked for the ODI team for the whole season and missed selection for the [[1999 Cricket World Cup]].{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}<ref>{{cite news |title=India Squad for 1999 World Cup |url=http://aus.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/WORLD_CUPS/WC99/SQUADS/WC99_IND-SQUAD.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=6 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706042054/http://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/WORLD_CUPS/WC99/SQUADS/WC99_IND-SQUAD.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2003, he played for India A in a one-day series against their Australian counterparts in Los Angeles. Harbhajan took eight wickets at 17.00 at 3.77 runs an over in the five matches, with a best of 3/38.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
After taking 4/91 against the touring team for the Board President's XI at the start of the season, Harbhajan managed to retain his Test position for the [[History of cricket in India from 1985–86 to 2000|late 1999 home series against New Zealand]], as India fielded a three-pronged spin attack <!--Kumble and ...?--> on dusty tracks, taking six wickets at an average of 32.66 as the hosts prevailed 1–0 in the two Tests.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
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===2001 Border-Gavaskar Trophy===
[[Image:Harbhajan Singh bowling.jpg |thumb|left |upright |Harbhajan bowling in the nets |alt=Man with black beard in a black turban, wearing navy tracksuit pants, blue T-shirt, follows through after bowling a ball in the cricket nets. His left leg is perpendicular to the ground, and his right leg is raised and bent back at the knee. His right bowling arm has rotated down to his side after releasing the ball.]]
With Kumble injured before the home series in March 2001 against the visiting Australians,<ref name="lead">{{cite news |publisher=BBC |title=Learning from a master |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/in_depth/2001/india_v_australia/1234218.stm |date=21 March 2001 |access-date=28 May 2008 |archive-date=2 September 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030902215751/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/in_depth/2001/india_v_australia/1234218.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Harbhajan, whose previous best Test figures were only 3/30, was the only capped spinner in the Indian team for the First Test.<ref name="t1sc"/> He had been recalled after captain [[Sourav Ganguly]] publicly called for his inclusion in the team. He was to lead the spin attack against an Australian team which had set a world record with 16 consecutive Test victories, and was searching for its first series victory on Indian soil [[Australian cricket team in India in 1969-70|since 1969]].<ref name="lead"/><ref>{{cite book |last=Perry |first=Roland |author-link=Roland Perry |year=2000 |title=Captain Australia: A history of the celebrated captains of Australian Test cricket |location=Sydney |publisher=[[Random House |Random House Australia]] |isbn=1-74051-174-3 |pages=370–371}}</ref> In a warm-up match for India A, Harbhajan had taken 2/63 and 3/81 against the tourists.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} Harbhajan started well in the First Test in [[Mumbai]], taking three quick wickets in a spell of 3/8, to reduce Australia to 99/5 in response to India's first innings of 176. However, a counter-attacking 197-[[run (cricket)|run]] [[partnership (cricket)|partnership]] between [[Matthew Hayden]] and [[Adam Gilchrist]] in just 32 [[over (cricket)|overs]], saw Harbhajan concede 103 runs from his last 17 overs, to end with 4/121. Despite being struck for many [[six (cricket)|sixes]] into the crowd, it was still Harbhajan's best statistical analysis at Test level. Australia eventually proceeded to a crushing 10-wicket victory, their sixteenth consecutive Test victory in succession.<ref name="t1sc">{{cite news |title=1st Test: India v Australia at Mumbai, 27 Feb-3 Mar 2001 Ball-by-Ball commentary |url=http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2000-01/AUS_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/AUS_IND_T1_27FEB-03MAR2001_BBB-COMMS.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=6 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706042054/https://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2000-01/AUS_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/AUS_IND_T1_27FEB-03MAR2001_BBB-COMMS.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Bose"/><ref name="t3d5">{{cite news |title=India triumph in tense finish |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/in_depth/2001/india_v_australia/1235045.stm |publisher=BBC |date=22 March 2001 |access-date=2 March 2007 |archive-date=6 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706042053/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/in_depth/2001/india_v_australia/1235045.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> This test match has been called by many the greatest that has ever been played, in light of the nature of India's win under difficult circumstances.<ref>Sports Talk. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/sports_talk/1224298.stm The greatest test ever?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121117005702/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/sports_talk/1224298.stm |date=17 November 2012 }} BBC.</ref>
With leading paceman [[Javagal Srinath]] ruled out of the series with a finger injury during the First Test,<ref>{{cite news |title=India make four changes |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/in_depth/2001/india_v_australia/1207646.stm |publisher=BBC |date=7 March 2001 |access-date=2 March 2007 |archive-date=10 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110102529/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/in_depth/2001/india_v_australia/1207646.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> the teams met for the Second Test in [[Kolkata]], with an even bigger burden on Harbhajan. Public opinion was skeptical about India's chances of stopping Australia's winning streak, with former captain [[Bishan Bedi]] lamenting the demise of Indian cricket.<ref>{{cite news |title=India in downward spiral |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/in_depth/2001/india_v_australia/1211895.stm |publisher=BBC |date=10 March 2001 |access-date=2 March 2007 |archive-date=24 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724050825/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/in_depth/2001/india_v_australia/1211895.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Australia were again in control on the first day, having scored 193/1, with Hayden having struck Harbhajan out of the attack. Harbhajan fought back to reduce Australia to 252/7, taking five wickets in the final session, including [[Ricky Ponting]], Gilchrist and [[Shane Warne]] in successive balls to become the first Indian to claim a [[Test hat-trick]].<ref name="profile">{{cite news |first=Sambit |last=Bal |author-link=Sambit Bal |title=Players and officials: Harbhajan Singh |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/player/29264.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=27 February 2007 |archive-date=28 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070228233405/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/player/29264.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Bose"/> After a prolonged wait for the [[third umpire]] to adjudicate whether [[Sadagoppan Ramesh]] had managed to catch Warne before the ball hit the ground, the near-capacity crowd at [[Eden Gardens]] erupted when he was given out.<ref>{{cite news |title=Singh hat-trick stuns Aussies |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/in_depth/2001/india_v_australia/1214424.stm |publisher=BBC |date=11 March 2001 |access-date=2 March 2007 |archive-date=26 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090426205222/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/in_depth/2001/india_v_australia/1214424.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Harbhajan eventually finished with 7/123 as Australia were bowled out for 445. India batted poorly and were forced to [[follow-on]], but a 376-run partnership between [[V. V. S. Laxman]] and [[Rahul Dravid]], who batted together for an entire day, allowed India to set Australia an imposing target of 384 to win on the final day. Australia appeared to be safely batting out the match for a draw, until losing 7/56 in the final session, collapsing from 166/3 to be bowled out for 212. Harbhajan claimed four of the wickets, to finish with 6/73 for the innings and a match tally of 13/196. India ended Australia's 16-match world record winning streak, and became only the third team to win a Test after being forced to follow on (Australia having lost all three of those matches).<ref name="Bose"/><ref>{{cite news |title=2nd Test: India v Australia at Calcutta 11–15 Mar 2001 |url=http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2000-01/AUS_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/AUS_IND_T2_11-15MAR2001.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=6 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206191053/http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2000-01/AUS_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/AUS_IND_T2_11-15MAR2001.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Incredible India defeat Australia |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/in_depth/2001/india_v_australia/1221637.stm |publisher=BBC |date=15 March 2001 |access-date=2 March 2007 |archive-date=16 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090916013255/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/in_depth/2001/india_v_australia/1221637.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283938.html |title=Tests – Victory after Following-On |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=3 March 2007 |archive-date=16 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100116105303/http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283938.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
The teams arrived in [[Chennai]] for the deciding Third Test, and Australia's batsmen again seized control after winning the toss, reaching 340/3 on the second morning. Then, Australian captain [[Steve Waugh]] padded away a delivery from Harbhajan. The ball spun back into Waugh's stumps, who pushed the ball away with his glove, becoming only the sixth batsman in Tests to be given out "[[handled the ball]]".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/content/records/275285.html |title=Tests – Unusual Dismissals |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=3 March 2007 |archive-date=15 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090815062500/http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/content/records/275285.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Waugh's dismissal instigated another Australian batting collapse, losing 6 wickets for 51 runs to be bowled out for 391, with Harbhajan taking all six in a spell of 6/26, to finish with 7/133.<ref>{{cite news |title=Indian batsmen on top |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/in_depth/2001/india_v_australia/1229028.stm |publisher=BBC |date=19 March 2001 |access-date=2 March 2007 |archive-date=15 March 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040315074232/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/in_depth/2001/india_v_australia/1229028.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> After India's batsmen gained a first-innings lead of 110, the Australian batsmen were again unable to cope with Harbhajan in the second innings, who took 8/84 to end with match figures of 15/217. India appeared to be heading for an easy victory at 101/2 chasing 155, before losing 6/50 to be 151/8. Harbhajan walked to the crease, and struck the winning runs.<ref name="t3d5"/><ref>{{cite news |title=3rd Test: India v Australia at Chennai, 18–22 Mar 2001 Ball-by-Ball Commentary |url=http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2000-01/AUS_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/AUS_IND_T3_18-22MAR2001_BBB-COMMS.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=6 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706042105/https://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2000-01/AUS_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/AUS_IND_T3_18-22MAR2001_BBB-COMMS.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
He was named [[man of the match]] and [[man of the series]], having taken 32 wickets at 17.03 for the series,<ref name="Bose"/> when none of his teammates managed more than three.<ref>{{cite news |title=3rd Test: India v Australia at Chennai, 18–22 Mar 2001 |url=http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2000-01/AUS_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/AUS_IND_T3_18-22MAR2001.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=19 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070219132241/http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2000-01/AUS_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/AUS_IND_T3_18-22MAR2001.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Wisden 100]] study conducted by [[Wisden Cricketers' Almanack|Wisden]] in 2002 rated all four of Harbhajan's efforts in the Second and Third Tests in the top 100 bowling performances of all time, the most for any bowler.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wisden 100: Top 100 Bowlers of all time |url=http://in.rediff.com/cricket/2001/jul/30bow100.htm |publisher=[[Rediff]] |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=4 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004220315/http://in.rediff.com/cricket/2001/jul/30bow100.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> He paid tribute to his father, who had died just six months earlier.<ref name="cops">{{cite news |title=Harbhajan hurt in scuffle |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/1878989.stm |date=18 March 2002 |access-date=20 February 2007 |publisher=BBC |archive-date=10 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110102929/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/1878989.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=My father would have been proud of my performance: Harbhajan |url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/104929.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=11 March 2001 |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=10 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710115300/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/104929.html |url-status=live }}</ref> His performance led to him usurping [[Anil Kumble]]'s position as India's first-choice spinner.<ref name="Bose"/>
===Poor form and returning===
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Harbhajan was omitted from the Indian team in favour of Kumble as the first-choice spinner on the following [[Indian cricket team in South Africa in 2001-02|tour of South Africa]], only playing in the later matches when India fielded two spinners. Nevertheless, Harbhajan continued to do well in the ODIs, taking nine wickets at 20.44 in six matches at an economy rate of 3.53, winning his first man of the match award in the ODI form in an ODI against South Africa in [[Bloemfontein]] after taking 3/27 from his ten overs. He scored 62 runs at 15.50, including a rearguard 37 that was not enough to prevent an embarrassing 70-run loss to Kenya.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} After being omitted for the First Test, which India lost, his disciplinary problems continued when he was one of four Indian players fined and given a suspended one match suspension for dissent and attempting to intimidate the umpire by over-appealing in the Second Test.<ref>{{cite web |title=2001: Penalties imposed on players for breaches of ICC Code of Conduct |url=http://www.icc-cricket.com/icc/rules/penalties/2001.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070224002402/http://www.icc-cricket.com/icc/rules/penalties/2001.html |archive-date=24 February 2007 |publisher=[[International Cricket Council]] |access-date=30 January 2007}}</ref> India managed to draw the match, but Harbhajan struggled and took 1/89 and 2/79. The off spinner continued his poor overseas Test form in what would have been the Third Test. However, India defied the ICC by playing banned batsman [[Virender Sehwag]], while [[Mike Denness]], the match referee who handed down the penalties, was locked out of the stadium, so the match was stripped of Test status. Harbhajan continued to be ineffective, taking only 1/104, although he showed resistance with the bat, scoring 29 and 30 when many specialist batsmen failed, as India slumped to an innings defeat.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
Harbhajan's Test fortunes improved immediately upon the start of the 2001–02 international season in India. Playing in his first international match at his home ground in [[Mohali]], [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]], Harbhajan took match figures of 7/110, including 5/51 in the first innings, to help India win the First Test by ten wickets against the [[English cricket team in India in 2001–02|touring English team]]. He continued his steady form throughout the series with another five wicket haul in the Second Test in [[Ahmedabad]], to end with thirteen wickets at 24.53 for the series, although he went wicketless in 27.1 overs in the Third and final Test. Harbhajan's good home form persisted in the [[Zimbabwean cricket team in India in 2001-02|Test matches against Zimbabwe]], taking twelve wickets at 19.66 in two games. In the First Test, he took 4/46 in the second innings to seal an innings victory after going wicketless in the second innings. His 2/70 and 6/62 in the Second Test in [[Delhi]] saw him named man of the match in a Test for the second time in his career. As in the first instance, he hit the winning runs, a straight-driven six, after India had lost six wickets and threatened to collapse in pursuit of a modest 122 for victory.<ref>{{cite news |first=Santhosh |last=S |title=Doughty Harbhajan saves India's blushes |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/118523.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=4 March 2002 |access-date=2 March 2007 |archive-date=8 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708174026/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/118523.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He also performed strongly in the ODIs during the Indian season, taking twenty wickets at 19.75 in ten matches and taking his first five wicket haul in ODIs.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} In the five matches against England, he took ten wickets at 20.10 at an economy rate of 4.27. His best result was a 5/43 in the last of these matches, but a late collapse handed the tourists a five-run win.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} He did better against the Zimbabweans, taking 10 wickets in five matches at an average of 19.40 and an economy rate of 4.06. This included a 4/33 in the final match. He also scored 39 runs without defeat for the series, including a 24 not out as India were skittled for 191 in one match.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} As Harbhajan was ensconced in the Indian team for the first team, he only played in two Ranji Trophy matches for Punjab, taking 13 wickets at 20.01 and scoring 71 runs at 17.75.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
Harbhajan's overseas difficulties returned during the [[Indian cricket team in West Indies in 2001-02|tour]] of the [[West Indies]] in mid-2002. He injured his shoulder while fielding in a tour match in which he started well with a total of 5/70,{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} and was forced to miss the First Test in [[Guyana]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Harbhajan on the mend |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/specials/west_indies_v_india/1932305.stm |publisher=BBC |date=16 April 2002 |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=12 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512052526/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/specials/west_indies_v_india/1932305.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> After taking only six wickets at 38 upon his return to the team for the Second and Third Tests, he was dropped for the Fourth Test, but was recalled again for the Fifth Test at [[Sabina Park]], after Kumble was injured.<ref>{{cite news |title=Harbhajan set for recall |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/specials/west_indies_v_india/1991638.stm |publisher=BBC |date=16 May 2002 |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=24 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724051805/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/specials/west_indies_v_india/1991638.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite taking improved match figures of 8/180, including 5/138 in the first innings, Harbhajan was unable to prevent an Indian defeat after the batting collapsed in the first innings. He claimed three wickets in the three match ODI series at 33.00, conceding 4.71 runs per over.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
Despite his performance at Sabina Park, Harbhajan was dropped again when Kumble returned for the First Test on the [[Indian cricket team in England in 2002|tour]] to England at [[Lord's]], where the hosts prevailed. India's coach [[John Wright (cricketer, born 1954)|John Wright]] later admitted that Harbhajan's omission had been a mistake.<ref>{{cite news |title=Harbhajan waits on weather |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/england/2174337.stm |publisher=BBC |date=2 August 2002 |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=24 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724033906/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/england/2174337.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Harbhajan returned for the final three Tests with moderate success, taking 12 wickets at 34.16, improving as the English summer wore on. After claiming 3/175 in the drawn Second Test, he struck form in the tour match against [[Essex CCC|Essex]], taking 7/83 and 1/23. He then took 3/40 and 1/56 as India levelled the series in the Third Test at Headingley, before taking 5/115 in the first innings of the Fourth Test at [[The Oval]], as well as managing his second Test half-century of 54 at [[Trent Bridge]] in the Second Test.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} He ended the series with 90 runs at 22.50. for the entire tour, Harbhajan aggregated 28 wickets at 27.60.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} Harbhajan had modest results in the Natwest Trophy. After being dropped after one wicketless match, he was dropped and then took 4/46 against Sri Lanka in the last match before the final to ensure his retention, but went wicketless in the decider, which India won. He played in three ODIs and took four wickets at 37.25 at 4.96.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
===2002 Champions Trophy===
The [[2002 ICC Champions Trophy]] in Sri Lanka at the end of the tour brought moderate results with six wickets at 30.66 at an economy rate of only 3.68,{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} and a best of 3/27 from ten overs in the firstwashed out final against the host nation.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} Harbhajan helped restrict Sri Lanka to 5/244, but rain ended proceedings with India at 0/14. He then took 1/34 the next day during a replay of the final. This time the hosts made 7/222 and a downpour again thwarted the players, with India at 1/38 when play was called off and the trophy shared.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
As was the case in the previous season, Harbhajan's return to Indian soil coincided with an improvement in results. He took 1/37 and 7/48 in an innings victory at [[Mumbai]] in the First Test against the [[West Indies cricket team|West Indies]], and then contributed match figures of 3/56, 4/79 and 37 in an eight-wicket victory in [[Chennai]] which saw him named man of the match.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} A haul of 5/115 in the Third Test at [[Calcutta]] was the best in a high scoring match, and with 20 wickets at 16.75 and 69 runs at 17.25, Harbhajan was named as the man of the [[West Indian cricket team in India in 2002-03|series]].{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} He was unable to transfer his performances to the ODI format, taking only five wickets at 49.00 against the same team at an economy rate of 5.44.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} Harbhajan took only five wickets at 18.80 in the subsequent [[Indian cricket team in New Zealand in 2002-03|Test tour]] to New Zealand, in a series where five pace bowlers averaged less than 20 on green, seaming tracks.<ref>{{cite news |title=India in New Zealand, 2002–03 Test Series Averages |url=http://www.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/2002-03/IND_IN_NZ/STATS/IND_IN_NZ_DEC2002-JAN2003_TEST_AVS.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=15 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015163828/http://www.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/2002-03/IND_IN_NZ/STATS/IND_IN_NZ_DEC2002-JAN2003_TEST_AVS.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Lynn |last=McConnell |title=Sideways movement taking batsmen out of the game – Fleming |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/113308.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=22 December 2002 |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=7 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707064952/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/113308.html |url-status=live }}</ref> India lost the series 2–0 and Harbhajan's 20 and 18 in the Second Test amounted for more than 15% of India's match total.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} The off spinner then took 1/56 in one ODI before heading for his World Cup debut in South Africa.{{Cn|date=July 2024}}
===2003 World Cup===
Harbhajan had a mixed tournament at the [[2003 Cricket World Cup]], taking 11 wickets at 30.45 with an economy rate of 3.92 in ten matches. He was the first-choice spinner and played in all matches but one, being dropped for the victory against arch-rivals [[Pakistan cricket team|Pakistan]] in the group phase. His counterpart, Kumble, played in only three matches.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Imran hits out at India |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/2892049.stm |publisher=BBC |date=27 March 2003 |access-date=2 March 2007 |archive-date=26 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226202710/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/2892049.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Harbhajan was steady throughout the tournament, never taking more than two wickets in a match, and never conceding more than 42 runs from his quota of ten overs, except in the two matches against Australia, who went through the tournament without defeat. In the group match, Harbhajan was the second highest score, with a counter-attacking 28 as India collapsed for 125, but when it was his turn to bowl, the Australians attacked him and scored 49 runs from his 44 balls without losing a wicket in a decisive nine-wicket win. In the final, Ganguly elected to field and Harbhajan was the only Indian bowler to take a wicket, taking 2/49 from eight overs. In contrast, the Australians scored at 7.38 runs per over from the other bowlers to reach 2/359, the highest total in a World Cup final, and win by 125 runs.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} He was the fourth leading wicket taker for India overall and his tournament bowling average was worse than those of [[Zaheer Khan]], [[Ashish Nehra]] and [[Javagal Srinath]].<ref>{{cite news |title=ICC Cricket World Cup, 2002/03 Bowling – Most Wickets |url=http://www.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/WORLD_CUPS/WC2003/STATS/WC2003_ODI_BOWL_MOST_WKTS.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=14 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070314020952/http://www.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/WORLD_CUPS/WC2003/STATS/WC2003_ODI_BOWL_MOST_WKTS.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He finished the season with six wickets at 14.00 at 3.65 runs per over in three matches in an ODI tournament in [[Bangladesh]], where he was fined for abusing an umpire.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}<ref>{{cite web |title=2003: Penalties imposed on players for breaches of ICC Code of Conduct |url=http://www.icc-cricket.com/icc/rules/penalties/2003.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070224002422/http://www.icc-cricket.com/icc/rules/penalties/2003.html |archive-date=24 February 2007 |publisher=[[International Cricket Council]] |access-date=30 January 2007}}</ref>
===Finger injury===
After experiencing pains in his spinning finger during the World Cup, Harbhajan was scheduled to undergo surgery in mid-2003 in Australia,<ref>{{cite news |title=Harbhajan needs surgery |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/2993938.stm |publisher=BBC |date=16 June 2003 |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=20 June 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030620052305/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/2993938.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Harbhajan heads to Australia for operation |url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/129867.html |date=23 June 2003 |access-date=24 January 2007 |work=ESPNcricinfo |archive-date=16 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716201115/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/129867.html |url-status=live }}</ref> but the surgery was delayed as he sought to play through the pain.<ref>{{cite news |title=Harbhajan returns home without undergoing surgery |url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/128726.html |date=8 July 2003 |access-date=24 January 2007 |work=ESPNcricinfo |archive-date=13 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713074118/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/128726.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He underwent physiotherapy in lieu of surgery and was declared fit for a two-match [[New Zealand cricket team in India in 2003-04|Test series]] at home against New Zealand in late 2003.<ref>{{cite news |title=Harbhajan fit for NZ series |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/3181661.stm |publisher=BBC |date=26 August 2003 |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=23 December 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031223100118/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/3181661.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> His performance was substantially worse than his previous displays on Indian soil, taking only six wickets at an average of 50.00 as both matches ended in high-scoring draws. Aside from his debut series, it was his worst series bowling average on Indian soil.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} Despite a triangular ODI series against New Zealand and Australia in which he managed only four wickets at 40.50 in four matches and spent time in the sidelines, the Indian team attempted to manage his injury rather than have his finger operated on, and took him on the [[Indian cricket team in Australia in 2003-04|2003–04 tour of Australia]]. As with his previous visit four years earlier, Harbhajan had an unhappy time, taking 2/159 in a tour match against [[Victorian Bushrangers|Victoria]].{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} After an ineffective 1/169 in the First Test at [[Brisbane]], his injury deteriorated and he underwent major finger surgery, sidelining him for a predicted five months.<ref>{{cite news |title=Harbhajan 'out for five months' |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/3333817.stm |publisher=BBC |date=20 December 2003 |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=5 June 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040605111459/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/3333817.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Confusion over Harbhajan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/3318403.stm |publisher=BBC |date=14 December 2003 |access-date=28 February 2007 |first=Manak |last=Gupta |archive-date=24 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724065513/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/3318403.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Harbhajan out of tour |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/3312267.stm |publisher=BBC |date=12 December 2003 |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=13 July 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040713121107/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/3312267.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Kumble replaced him and took 24 wickets in the remaining three Tests in strak contrast of Harbhajan's struggles in Australia. Kumble bowled India to victory in the following Test against Pakistan in [[Multan]], taking 6/71 to reclaim his position as the No. 1 spinner.<ref>{{cite news |first=Rahul |last=Bhattacharya |title=Players and Officials – Anil Kumble |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/player/30176.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=22 February 2007 |archive-date=12 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312171852/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/player/30176.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
After a seven-month layoff, Harbhajan returned to represent India in ODIs in the [[Asia Cup]] in July 2004, where he took four wickets at 39.75 in four matches at 3.97 runs per over. His performance improved on the tour to England for an ODI series against [[English cricket team|England]] and the [[2004 ICC Champions Trophy]], taking eight wickets at 14.00, conceding only 2.80 runs an over, including 3/28 against England and 3/33 against Kenya and hitting as an unbeaten 41 against England at [[The Oval]] as India's batting collapsed to a substantial defeat.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
Harbhajan made his Test return against Australia, who were again seeking their first series win on Indian soil since 1969 in the [[Australian cricket team in India in 2004-05|late 2004 home series]].<ref name="bg2004">{{cite news |first=Peter |last=English |title=The reward of painstaking preparation |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/142901.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=29 October 2004 |access-date=2 March 2007 |archive-date=19 January 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119185721/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/142901.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Harbhajan took 5/146 in the first innings and 6/78 in the second innings in addition to making a [[run out]] <!--who was run out?--> to reduce Australia from 103/3 to 228 all out. Despite this, India required 457 in their second innings to win, slumping to 125/8 before Harbhajan (42) and [[Irfan Pathan]] helped India to reach 239 after a rearguard counter-attack, still a 217-run loss.<ref>{{cite news |title=1st Test: India v Australia at Bangalore, 6–10 Oct 2004 |url=http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004-05/AUS_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/AUS_IND_T1_06-10OCT2004.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=15 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070315014456/http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004-05/AUS_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/AUS_IND_T1_06-10OCT2004.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Harbhajan was less effective in the drawn Second Test in [[Chennai]], with match figures of 5/198, which was washed out with India still needing 210 more runs on the last day with all ten wickets in hand.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} Harbhajan then withdrew from the Third Test in [[Nagpur]] due to illness.<ref>{{cite news |first=Anand |last=Vasu |title=The 'Satisfying to get runs in tough conditions' – Martyn |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/142792.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=26 October 2004 |access-date=2 March 2007 |archive-date=7 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707075151/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/142792.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Australia won the match easily, clinching the series.<ref name="bg2004"/> Harbhajan returned for the final Test in Mumbai. After failing to take a wicket in the first innings, he claimed 5/29 in the second to help India bowl Australia out for 93 and claim a dramatic 14-run victory.<ref>{{cite news |title=4th Test: India v Australia at Mumbai, 3–7 Nov 2004 |url=http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004-05/AUS_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/AUS_IND_T4_03-07NOV2004.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=24 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070224234626/http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004-05/AUS_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/AUS_IND_T4_03-07NOV2004.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Harbhajan ended the series with 21 wickets at 24.00 and 69 runs at 13.80.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
A [[South African cricket team in India in 2004-05|Test series in India]] against [[South African cricket team|South Africa]] followed, with Harbhajan taking match figures of 4/166 in the drawn First Test in [[Kanpur]], before producing a man of the match performance in the Second Test in [[Calcutta]] to lead India to a 1–0 series win. After taking 2/54 in the first innings, he took 6/78 in the second, including South Africa's first five batsman to help dismiss the tourists for 222. This set up a run-chase of 117, which India reached with eight wickets in hand.<ref>{{cite news |title=2nd Test:India vs South Africa at Kolkata, 28 Nov – 2 Dec 2004 |url=http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004-05/RSA_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/RSA_IND_T2_28NOV-02DEC2004.html |access-date=24 January 2007 |work=ESPNcricinfo |archive-date=9 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070209104400/http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004-05/RSA_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/RSA_IND_T2_28NOV-02DEC2004.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Harbhajan was the leading wicket-taker for the series, with 13 victims at an average of 23.61.<ref>{{cite news |title=South Africa in India, 2004–05 Test Series Averages |url=http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004-05/RSA_IN_IND/STATS/RSA_IN_IND_NOV-DEC2004_TEST_AVS.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=20 September 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050920113805/http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004-05/RSA_IN_IND/STATS/RSA_IN_IND_NOV-DEC2004_TEST_AVS.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He ended 2004 with a quiet [[Indian cricket team in Bangladesh in 2004-05|tour]] of [[Bangladesh]], scoring a 47 in the Second Test and taking four wickets at 41.75 in two Tests and one wicket at 94 at an economy rate of 5.22 in two ODIs.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} He had a relatively light workload, bowling only 47.4 overs in the Tests, as [[Irfan Pathan]] frequently scythed through the Bangladeshi batsmen with the new ball, taking three five wicket hauls.<ref>{{cite news |first=Anand |last=Vasu |title=Blossom in a bed of weeds |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/136055.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=19 December 2004 |access-date=2 March 2007 |archive-date=14 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014065434/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/136055.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He then returned to India and took a total of 6/172 in North Zone's seven-wicket win over South.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
His performance in Bangladesh saw him dropped for the First Test in the early [[Pakistani cricket team in India in 2004-05|2005 series]] against Pakistan on his home ground in [[Mohali]], with Kumble being the only spinner selected on the pace-friendly surface.<ref>{{cite news |title=Balaji gives India edge in Mohali |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/4325119.stm |publisher=BBC |date=29 March 2005 |access-date=2 March 2007 |archive-date=24 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724043841/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/4325119.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> India were in control of the match for four days, and needed only four wickets on day five, but were unable to break the Pakistani lower-order until play was almost over and the tourists had taken a lead, and the match ended in a draw. Harbhajan was recalled for the Second Test in [[Calcutta]] and took match figures of 4/145 in an Indian victory. Despite taking 6/152 in a marathon 51-over spell in the first innings of the Third Test in [[Bangalore]], Pakistan won the match to level the series after India collapsed on the final day. Harbhajan finished the series with 10 wickets at 33.20.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} His performance in the subsequent ODI series was even worse, managing only three wickets at 73.66 in five matches at an economy rate of 4.80.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} In spite of the poor end to the season, his performance in the year since finger surgery in the long form of the game saw him nominated for the 2005 [[International Cricket Council|ICC]] Test Player of the Year.<ref>{{cite news |title=Player of the Year nominees announced |url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/219236.html |date=14 September 2005 |access-date=24 January 2007 |work=ESPNcricinfo |archive-date=6 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206211041/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/219236.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Harbhajan spent the international off-season playing for [[Surrey County Cricket Club|Surrey]] in English county cricket, citing the improvement that other international players had gained from such an experience. It was his first stint in county cricket, after a planned season at [[Lancashire County Cricket Club|Lancashire]] in 2003 was cancelled due to injury.<ref>{{cite news |title=Harbhajan Singh Q&A |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/counties/surrey/4596853.stm |publisher=BBC |date=31 May 2005 |access-date=2 March 2007 |archive-date=24 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724033459/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/counties/surrey/4596853.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> After taking six wickets in his opening two first-class fixtures, he struck form against [[Hampshire CCC|Hampshire]], taking 6/36 and 2/47 in an innings triumph. In is fourth and final first-class match, against [[Gloucestershire CCC|Gloucestershire]], Harbhajan took a total of 6/193 and equalled his previous first-class best of 84. He ended with 20 wickets at 25.85 and 124 runs at 31.00.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} In the [[Twenty20]] competition, he had less success in the new format, taking four wickets at 38.00 at an economy rate of 6.60 in eight matches. In all he spent six weeks with the county.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
===Chappell era===
Harbhajan's first outings under newly appointed coach [[Greg Chappell]] came at the [[2005 Indian Oil Cup|Indian Oil Cup]] in Sri Lanka in August 2005. He took five wickets at 31.40, conceding 4.02 runs per over in four matches, but was wicketless in the final, which was won by the host nation.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} This was followed by a tour of Zimbabwe, which was marred by tension between the new coach and Indian captain Ganguly. This broke into the public arena when Ganguly claimed that he was asked to resign as captain.<ref>{{cite news |title='I was asked to step down as captain' – Ganguly |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/zimvind/content/story/219375.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=15 September 2005 |access-date=2 March 2007 |archive-date=10 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710104105/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/zimvind/content/story/219375.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Harbhajan played in all five matches in the [[Videocon Tri-Series 2005-06|Videocon Tri-Series]] involving Zimbabwe and New Zealand with little success, managing only two wickets at 99.00 at an economy rate of 4.77,{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} both of them against an inexperienced Zimbabwe team crippled by a mass exodus of white players from the [[Robert Mugabe|Mugabe]] regime. Harbhajan had a quiet Test [[Indian cricket team in Zimbabwe in 2005-06|series]] against Zimbabwe, taking six wickets at 31.00.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} He was only required to bowl 58 overs,{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} as the majority of the Zimbabwean batsmen were removed after being unable to cope with Pathan's swing which was likened to "Frisbees at high speed", leaving little work for the spinners.<ref name="frisbee"/> He managed to claim his 200th Test wicket in the First Test, and in doing so became the second youngest player to reach the mark after [[Kapil Dev]].<ref name="frisbee">{{cite news |first=Siddhartha |last=Vaidyanathan |title=Zimbabwe reel after Ganguly's ton |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/zimvind/content/story/219325.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=15 September 2005 |access-date=2 March 2007 |archive-date=20 January 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130120043754/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/zimvind/content/story/219325.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Harbhajan's batting was notable for an exceptionally aggressive 18-ball innings in the First Test in Bulawayo, where he struck four fours and three sixes in a cameo innings of 37.<ref>{{cite news |title=1st Test:Zimbabwe v India at Bulawayo, 13–17 Sep 2005 |url=http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/IND_IN_ZIM/SCORECARDS/IND_ZIM_T1_13-17SEP2005.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=8 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208221257/http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/IND_IN_ZIM/SCORECARDS/IND_ZIM_T1_13-17SEP2005.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Harbhajan's difficulties were compounded when he earned the ire of cricket authorities by publicly attacking Chappell and defending Ganguly after the team returned to India.<ref>{{cite news |title=Harbhajan comes to Ganguly's defense |url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/220115.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=7 February 2007 |date=25 September 2005 |archive-date=6 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070506221854/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/220115.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He claimed that Chappell had used "double standards" and instilled "fear and insecurity" into the team. The Punjab Cricket Association called him to explain his actions,<ref>{{cite news |title=Harbhajan asked to appear before Punjab board |url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/220271.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=7 February 2007 |date=27 September 2005 |archive-date=8 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708064901/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/220271.html |url-status=live }}</ref> but he was not punished after offering an apology.<ref>{{cite news |title=Harbhajan escapes rap for comments |url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/220503.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=7 February 2007 |date=29 September 2005 |archive-date=16 December 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071216145628/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/220503.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In early 2006, Harbhajan changed his stance publicly, praising Chappell for the team's improved form, stating "He has great knowledge about the game and it has been a very successful year for us under him. He has lifted our team to great heights".<ref>{{cite news |title=I enjoy playing under Chappell – Harbhajan |url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/245793.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=7 February 2007 |date=30 April 2006 |archive-date=10 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710073121/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/245793.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Harbhajan was under pressure to perform when [[Sri Lankan cricket team in India in 2005-06|Sri Lanka toured India]] in late 2005 following his attack on Chappell and the replacement of Ganguly, who had frequently supported him during previous career difficulties, with new captain [[Rahul Dravid]]. In addition, his home ODI form had been poor in the previous three years, managing only 12 wickets at 56 in 16 matches, with an [[Cricket statistics|economy rate]] of 4.8.<ref name="sl2005"/> In the three Challenger Trophy matches at the start of the season, he took five wickets at 24.20 at an economy rate of 4.25.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} He responded by claiming 3/35 in the first ODI in [[Nagpur]] after Sri Lanka had raced to 50 in just 6.3 overs. The Sri Lankan batsmen hit the Indian fast bowlers out of the attack, scoring 74 runs in the first 10 overs and forcing Dravid to delay the [[powerplay (cricket)|Power Play]] and introduce Harbhajan. This sparked a collapse, with 4 wickets taken for 14 runs, resulting in a 152-run Indian victory.<ref>{{cite news |title=1st ODI:India v Sri Lanka at Nagpur 25 Oct 2005 |url=http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/SL_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/SL_IND_ODI1_25OCT2005.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=27 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070227033732/http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/SL_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/SL_IND_ODI1_25OCT2005.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Harbhajan took 2/19 in the next match,{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} and aggregated six wickets at 26 in the first four matches, at a low economy rate of 3.43, with a series of performances noted for skilful variations in pace and flight, helping India gain an unassailable 4–0 series lead.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}<ref name="sl2005">{{cite news |first=S |last=Rajesh |title=The extras factor, and Harbhajan's return |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/225362.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=11 November 2005 |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=19 January 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119220842/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/225362.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He was subsequently rested for the fifth ODI, and ended the series as the most economical bowler, conceding only 3.62 runs per over.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sri Lanka in India, 2005–06 One-Day Series Averages |url=http://www1.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/SL_IN_IND/STATS/SL_IN_IND_OCT-DEC2005_ODI_AVS.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=1 March 2007 |archive-date=2 November 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051102052028/http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/SL_IN_IND/STATS/SL_IN_IND_OCT-DEC2005_ODI_AVS.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
He put on another strong personal performance in the first ODI of the following [[South African cricket team in India in 2005-06|series]] against South Africa in [[Hyderabad, Telangana|Hyderabad]], where he struck an aggressive unbeaten 37 from 17 balls, including two sixes, to help India recover to 249/9, before taking 1/35 from his 10 overs.<ref>{{cite news |title=1st ODI:India v South Africa at Hyderabad 16 Nov 2005 |url=http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/RSA_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/RSA_IND_ODI1_16NOV2005.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=21 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070221022006/http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/RSA_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/RSA_IND_ODI1_16NOV2005.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He was unable to prevent an Indian loss, and was fined after pointing [[Ashwell Prince]] to the pavilion after dismissing him.<ref>{{cite news |title=Harbhajan fined for celebration |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/4442596.stm |publisher=BBC |date=16 November 2005 |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=30 May 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060530045644/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/4442596.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2005: Penalties imposed on players for breaches of ICC Code of Conduct |url=http://www.icc-cricket.com/icc/rules/penalties/2005.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070224002442/http://www.icc-cricket.com/icc/rules/penalties/2005.html |archive-date=24 February 2007 |publisher=[[International Cricket Council]] |access-date=30 January 2007}}</ref> Harbhajan ended the series with five wickets at 27.40,{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} and was again India's most economical bowler, conceding 3.92 runs per over.<ref>{{cite news |title=South Africa in India, 2005–06 One-Day Series Averages |url=http://www1.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/RSA_IN_IND/STATS/RSA_IN_IND_NOV2005_ODI_AVS.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=1 March 2007 |archive-date=1 December 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051201013924/http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/RSA_IN_IND/STATS/RSA_IN_IND_NOV2005_ODI_AVS.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
The year ended with a three [[Sri Lankan cricket team in India in 2005-06|Test series]] against Sri Lanka. After the first match in [[Chennai]] was washed out by monsoonal rains,<ref>{{cite news |title=1st Test:India v Sri Lanka at Chennai 2–6 Dec 2005 |url=http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/SL_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/SL_IND_T1_02-06DEC2005.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=12 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070212174332/http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/SL_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/SL_IND_T1_02-06DEC2005.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Harbhajan took match figures of 4/137 as India took a 1–0 series lead in Delhi.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} He finished the calendar year with a man of the match performance in [[Ahmedabad]], which saw India seal a 2–0 series victory with a 259 run victory. He took 7/62 in the first innings, including six of Sri Lanka's top eight batsmen. He precipitated a middle-order batting collapse, with 6 wickets falling for 82 runs, which allowed India to take a 193-run first innings lead. Harbhajan later contributed an aggressive innings of 40 not out from 51 balls, in an unbroken 49-run final-wicket partnership with Kumble in the second innings, their display of unorthodox hitting stretching India's lead to 508 runs.<ref>{{cite news |title=3rd Test:India v Sri Lanka at Ahmedabad 18–22 Dec 2005 |url=http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/SL_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/SL_IND_T3_18-22DEC2005.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=17 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070217090336/http://www1.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/SL_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/SL_IND_T3_18-22DEC2005.html |url-status=live }}</ref> His prospects of a half century were cut short by a declaration from acting captain [[Virender Sehwag]], but he was compensated with opening the bowling, as Sehwag employed a novel tactic of assigning the new ball to a spinner.<ref name="tail">{{cite news |first=Andrew |last=Miller |title=Long live the tail |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/276556.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=17 January 2006 |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=10 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310031252/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/276556.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He took 3/79 to finish with match figures of 10/141, ending the year on a high note after he had been embroiled in the leadership struggle only three months earlier.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
===Test decline===
[[Image:Harbhajan Singh.jpg |thumb|left |upright |Harbhajan Singh arrives at training. |alt=Man with black beard in a turban, wearing a white broad brimmed sunhat, is wearing navy tracksuit pants, blue T-shirt, and carrying light blue batting pads, a cricket bat and a helmet. Spectator seats can be seen in the background.]]
2006 began with Harbhajan's first [[Indian cricket team in Pakistan in 2005-06|tour]] to arch-rivals Pakistan. The First Test was a high scoring draw held in [[Lahore]], where Harbhajan recorded his worst ever Test figures of 0/176, conceding more than five runs an over in a match where 1,089 runs were scored for the loss of just eight wickets.<ref>{{cite news |title=1st Test:Pakistan v India at Lahore 13–17 Jan 2006 |url=http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/IND_IN_PAK/SCORECARDS/IND_PAK_T1_13-17JAN2006.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=25 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125143936/http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/IND_IN_PAK/SCORECARDS/IND_PAK_T1_13-17JAN2006.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In a match in which many batting records fell, Harbhajan was hit for 27 runs in one over by [[Shahid Afridi]], just one short of the world record.<ref>{{cite news |first=Kanishkaa |last=Balachandran |title=Boundary avalanches and scoring rates |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/pakvind/content/story/232916.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=17 January 2006 |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=26 January 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060126210428/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/pakvind/content/story/232916.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The second Test in [[Faisalabad]] was another high scoring draw, with the aggregate runs being the fourth highest in Test history. Harbhajan took 0/101 and 0/78. His 81 overs in the series were the fourth highest number of overs in any Test series without taking a wicket.<ref>{{cite news |first=Kanishkaa |last=Balachandran |title=Harbhajan's nightmare, and a deluge of runs |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/pakvind/content/story/233948.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=25 March 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060325072446/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/pakvind/content/story/233948.html |url-status=live }}</ref> When he was given the opportunity to make use of the batting surface in India's only innings in Faisalabad, he managed a brisk 38, including two sixes.<ref>{{cite news |title=1st Test:Pakistan v India at Faisalabad 21–25 Jan 2006 |url=http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/IND_IN_PAK/SCORECARDS/IND_PAK_T2_21-25JAN2006.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=10 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210103441/http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/IND_IN_PAK/SCORECARDS/IND_PAK_T2_21-25JAN2006.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Harbhajan was dropped for the Third Test in [[Karachi]], where a green pitch promised to favour seam bowling, and Kumble was the only spinner used.<ref>{{cite news |first=Dileep |last=Premachandran |title=Pakistan rattle India after Akmal special |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/pakvind/content/story/234818.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=29 January 2006 |access-date=2 March 2007 |archive-date=8 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708135201/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/pakvind/content/story/234818.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After sustaining an injury, Harbhajan was sent home during the subsequent ODI series without playing a match, ending his tour without taking a wicket.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}<ref>{{cite news |first=Siddhartha |last=Vaidyanathan |title=Sehwag and Harbhajan to return home |url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/236855.html |date=13 February 2006 |access-date=24 January 2007 |work=ESPNcricinfo |archive-date=25 March 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060325073633/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/236855.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[Image:Bhajji.jpg |thumb|right |Harbhajan with India in 2006]]
A return to Indian soil for the [[English cricket team in India in 2005-06|Test series]] against England failed to ease Harbhajan's wicket-taking difficulties. He managed match figures of 2/172 in the drawn First Test in [[Nagpur]], and 1/83 in the Second Test in [[Mohali]], where his main contribution was to hit 36 runs, helping India to a first innings lead.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}<ref>{{cite news |title=1st Test:India v England at Chandigarh 9–13 Mar 2006 |url=http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/ENG_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/ENG_IND_T2_09-13MAR2006.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=13 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070213045540/http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/ENG_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/ENG_IND_T2_09-13MAR2006.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite taking 3/89 and 2/40 in the Third Test in [[Mumbai]], Harbhajan ended the series with eight wickets at an average of 48.00,{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} nearly twice his career average on Indian soil.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} Despite his difficulties in Test cricket, Harbhajan's ODI form remained strong, as he top-scored with a rearguard 37 out of 203 and then took 5/31 in a man of the match performance in the first ODI against England in [[Delhi]], sparking a collapse of 7/47 which secured a 39-run victory.<ref>{{cite news |first=Siddhartha |last=Vaidyanathan |title=Harbhajan relieved as confidence finally returns |url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/242565.html |date=28 March 2006 |access-date=24 January 2007 |work=ESPNcricinfo |archive-date=8 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708094351/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/242565.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=1st Test:India v England at Delhi 28 Mar 2006 |url=http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/ENG_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/ENG_IND_ODI1_28MAR2006.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=15 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070215001053/http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/ENG_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/ENG_IND_ODI1_28MAR2006.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He ended the series with 12 wickets at 15.58 at an economy rate of 3.74 from five matches, and topped the wicket-taking list despite being rested for the last match, as well as having the best bowling average and economy rate.<ref>{{cite news |title=England in India, 2005–06 One-Day Series Averages |url=http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/ENG_IN_IND/STATS/ENG_IN_IND_FEB-APR2006_ODI_AVS.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=10 April 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060410205035/http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/ENG_IN_IND/STATS/ENG_IN_IND_FEB-APR2006_ODI_AVS.html |url-status=live }}</ref> India took the series 5–1, Harbhajan taking 3/30 in their only loss.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
Harbhajan was unable to maintain his ODI form on the [[Indian cricket team in West Indies in 2006|tour]] to the [[West Indies]], where he managed three wickets at 64 in five matches, although he continued to be economical, conceding 3.91 runs per over.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} He was omitted from the Test team for the opening two Tests as India opted to use three pace bowlers and [[Anil Kumble]], scrapping the five bowler strategy used since early 2006.<ref>{{cite news |title='Harbhajan would have been a luxury' – Chappell |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/wivind/content/story/249453.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=4 June 2006 |access-date=2 March 2007 |archive-date=7 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707055753/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/wivind/content/story/249453.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The reasons for the return to the four-man attack were unclear, with performance, fatigue and injury variously offered as explanations.<ref>{{cite news |first=Siddhartha |last=Vaidyanathan |title='The pitch reminded me of Lahore' – Harbhajan |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/wivind/content/story/251365.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=25 June 2006 |access-date=2 March 2007 |archive-date=31 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731022019/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/wivind/content/story/251365.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Harbhajan was recalled for the Third Test in [[St Kitts]] after the pace attack was unable to dismiss the West Indian batsmen, with local captain [[Brian Lara]] stating that his team, who had three wickets in hand at the end of play, would have been lucky to draw the Second Test had Harbhajan been playing.<ref>{{cite news |first=Siddhartha |last=Vaidyanathan |title=I've been sort of censored..' – Lara |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/wivind/content/story/251034.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=21 June 2006 |access-date=2 March 2007 |archive-date=7 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707091639/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/wivind/content/story/251034.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In a drawn match, Harbhajan claimed the leading match figures of 6/186, as well as contributing an unbeaten 38 in the first innings.<ref>{{cite news |title=3rd Test:West Indies v India at Basseterre Jun 22–26 2006 |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/wivind/engine/match/239922.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=10 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070510181008/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/wivind/engine/match/239922.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Harbhajan's 5/13 in 27 balls in the first innings in the Fourth Test saw the hosts lose their last six wickets for 23, to give India a 97 run first innings lead. India went on secure a victory in a low scoring match in three days and win the series 1–0, although Harbhajan was punished in the second innings, conceding 65 runs in 16 overs without taking a wicket.<ref>{{cite news |title=4th Test:West Indies v India at Kingston Jun 30 – Jul 2 2006 |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/wivind/engine/match/239923.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=13 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070213180504/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/wivind/engine/match/239923.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It was India's first series victory in the Caribbean in 35 years,<ref>{{cite news |first=Dileep |last=Premachandran |title=Kumble bowls India to historic win |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/wivind/content/story/252126.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=2 July 2006 |access-date=1 March 2007 |archive-date=30 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070130052211/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/wivind/content/story/252126.html |url-status=live }}</ref> with Harbhajan contributing 11 wickets at 24.00.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
The 2006–07 season began with the [[DLF Cup 2006-07|DLF Cup]] in Malaysia, where Harbhajan made a good start to the season, taking six wickets at 19.16 at an economy rate of 3.59 in four matches.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} He was man of the match against the West Indies, scoring 37 in a 78-run partnership to push India to 162, before taking 3/35 to secure a 16-run victory.<ref>{{cite news |title=5th Match: India vs West Indies at Kuala Lumpur, Sep 20, 2006 |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/dlfcup/engine/match/256612.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 February 2007 |archive-date=9 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709065230/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/dlfcup/engine/match/256612.html |url-status=live }}</ref> India failed to reach the final, contested by Australia and the West Indies. Harbhajan was unable to maintain his form in the [[2006 ICC Champions Trophy]] held in India, managing only two wickets at 51.50 and saving his worst performance of 0/49 in the final group match against Australia on his home ground in [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]].{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} India won only one of their three matches and were eliminated, although Harbhajan continued to be tidy, conceding 3.67 runs per over.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} The [[Indian cricket team in South Africa in 2006-07|tour of South Africa]] in late 2006 saw even less success, taking only one wicket in three ODI matches while conceding 161 runs at the expensive economy rate of 5.75.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} He finished the year watching from the sidelines as India fielded Kumble as the only spinner in the three Test series, which India lost 2–1.<ref>{{cite news |title=India in South Africa, 2006–07 Test Series Averages |url=http://aus.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2006-07/IND_IN_RSA/STATS/IND_IN_RSA_NOV-DEC2006_TEST_AVS.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=1 March 2007 |archive-date=25 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070125183320/http://aus.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2006-07/IND_IN_RSA/STATS/IND_IN_RSA_NOV-DEC2006_TEST_AVS.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Apart from the injury hit 2003, it was Harbhajan's least productive year in Test cricket since he became a regular team member in 2001, managing only 19 wickets at 52.78.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
Harbhajan returned for the early 2007 ODI series against the [[West Indies cricket team in India in 2006-07|West Indies]] and [[Sri Lankan cricket team in India in 2006-07|Sri Lanka]] in India, taking seven wickets at 36.00 in seven matches at an economy rate of 4.27.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} Despite criticism that he was afraid to toss the ball up, and was concentrating on bowling flat in a defensive run-saving style,<ref name="loop3">{{cite news |title=India embark on a rocky road to ODI renewal |first=Dileep |last=Premachandran |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/299254.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 May 2008 |date=22 June 2007 |archive-date=12 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070812084436/http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/299254.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Harbhajan was selected as the off spin bowler in the Indian squad for the [[2007 Cricket World Cup]], while [[Ramesh Powar]], who had been more expensive but had taken more wickets in recent times, was omitted.<ref name="loop">{{cite news |first=Andrew |last=Miller |title=They dumped me |url=http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/281201.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=22 February 2007 |access-date=1 March 2007 |archive-date=19 January 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119195627/http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/281201.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="loop2">{{cite news |first=Anand |last=Vasu |title=Too many holes |url=http://content-www.cricinfo.com/ausvind/content/story/297827.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=12 June 2007 |access-date=28 May 2008 |archive-date=20 January 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130120002222/http://content-www.cricinfo.com/ausvind/content/story/297827.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A statistical study showed that since the start of 2006, Harbhajan has been the second most economical bowler in the final 10 overs of ODIs.<ref>{{cite news |first=Robert |last=Craddock |title=Aussie bowlers no good at death |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21287369-23212,00.html |work=[[Fox Sports (Australia)|Fox Sports]] |access-date=28 February 2007 |date=26 February 2007 |archive-date=27 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070227155127/http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0%2C8659%2C21287369-23212%2C00.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
During the [[2007 Cricket World Cup]], Harbhajan started as India's first-choice spinner and played in their first match against Bangladesh. He took 0/30 from his ten overs, but India lost the match as their batsmen collapsed and Bangladesh had no need to take risks against the bowling.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} Harbhajan was dropped in favour of Kumble for the second match against [[Bermuda cricket team|Bermuda]], which India won easily. Harbhajan was recalled for the final group match against Sri Lanka, and had little effect, taking 0/53 from his ten overs as India were set 255 for victory. Harbhajan made an unbeaten 17 as India collapsed to 185 to lose the match and be eliminated in the group phase.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}<ref>{{cite news |title='We picked the best possible team' – Vengsarkar |work=ESPNcricinfo |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/wc2007/content/story/287563.html |date=27 March 2008 |access-date=26 May 2008 |archive-date=9 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709033420/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/wc2007/content/story/287563.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the failed campaign, the Indian selectors made multiple changes to the national team and Harbhajan was dropped for the tours of Bangladesh and England. [[Rajesh Pawar]], [[Piyush Chawla]] and Powar were the spinners selected to partner Kumble.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tendulkar and Ganguly rested for Bangladesh one-dayers |first=Anand |last=Vasu |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/291603.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=28 May 2008 |date=20 April 2007 |archive-date=11 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711213749/http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/291603.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Harbhajan's waning wicket-taking and his lack of flight were again perceived to be the cause of his problems.<ref name="loop3"/><ref name="loop2"/>
In the meantime, Harbhajan played in two ODIs for the [[Asian Cricket Council#Afro-Asia Cup|Asian Cricket Council]] against a combined African team, taking 1/53 and 3/48 as the Asians won both matches.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} He then returned to Surrey for a second season of county cricket in an attempt to rediscover his form while his compatriots were touring England, staying throughout July and August. After easing into the season with six wickets in the first two first-class matches, Harbhajan found a rich vein of form, taking 4/64 and 5/64 against [[Worcestershire CCC|Worcestershire]], before following up with 5/34 and 6/57 against [[Kent CCC|Kent]], finishing off by scoring 29 to help guide Surrey home by four wickets after they had stumbled in pursuit of 107.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} He ended the first-class campaign with five and six wickets against [[Durham CCC|Durham]] and [[Hampshire CCC|Hampshire]] respectively and totalled 37 wickets at 18.54 in only six outings.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} He was not so successful in the one-dayers, taking six wickets at 29.50 and an economy rate of 4.65 in five matches.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
===2007 recall to the team===
Harbhajan returned to international cricket as part of India's squad for the [[ICC World Twenty20]] tournament in South Africa in September 2007, which India won, having been rank outsiders at the start of the tournament with many senior players opting out of the competition.<ref>{{cite web |first=Dileep |last=Premachandran |title=India hold their nerve to win thriller |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/twenty20wc/content/current/story/312320.html |date=27 September 2007 |access-date=28 May 2008 |archive-date=10 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010224556/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/twenty20wc/content/current/story/312320.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He played in all six of India's matches and totalled seven wickets at 26.00 and an economy rate of 7.91. In the opening pool match against Pakistan, Harbhajan hit the stumps in a bowl-out after scores were tied; India won 3–0 after three rounds. In the semi-final against Australia, Harbhajan bowled [[Michael Clarke (cricketer)|Michael Clarke]] and conceded only three runs in his final over, the 18th of the match, to turn the match towards India. The final against Pakistan was the only match in which Harbhajan did not bowl his full quota of four overs, after being struck for three sixes in his third over by [[Misbah-ul-Haq]], who led a late charge towards the target. India prevailed by five runs in the final over, Misbah being the last man to fall.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
Harbhajan was recalled to the ODI squad during India's home season in 2006–07, which comprised series against Australia and Pakistan. In ten ODIs, he took seven wickets at 61.71 125 and an economy rate of 4.59, much higher than his career average.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} He scored 101 runs at 33.66 in these matches, including an unbeaten 38 in one match against Pakistan.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} He was then recalled to the Test squad, and with India fielding two spinners in its home series against Pakistan, Harbhajan accompanied Kumble in all three Tests.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} Playing in Tests for the first time in 16 months, he took 10 wickets at 44.10, much higher than his career average in India.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} His best result was 5/122 in the first innings of the Second Test at Eden Gardens.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
He toured Australia and played in three of the four Tests—India persisted with two spinners in all venues except for the Third Test at the pace-friendly [[WACA Ground]].{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} He was centre of the controversy in the [[Second Test, 2007–08 Border–Gavaskar Trophy]], accused of calling [[Andrew Symonds]], a monkey. As he was during his previous visits to Australia, Harbhajan was ineffective with the ball. In the First Test in Melbourne, he took match figures of 3/162, before taking 4/200 in the Second Test in Sydney. Upon his recall in Adelaide, he took 1/128 in Australia's only innings on a placid surface, ending the series with eight wickets at 61.25. However, he did manage to take Ponting's wicket for three consecutive innings in the first two Tests, leading to much speculation about the Australian captain's difficulties against the off spinner. After the third dismissal in the Sydney Test, Harbhajan celebrated by running a distance before twice rolling over on the ground. Harbhajan's most noted contribution with the bat came in the Second Test when he came to the crease with India at 345/7, still 118 runs behind Australia, after a middle-order collapse of 4/52. He made 63 runs in a 129-run partnership with Tendulkar, which enabled India to gain a first-innings lead. In the Fourth Test, he came to the crease at 7/359 and scored 63 in a 107-run rearguard partnership with captain Kumble, allowing India to reach 529. He failed to reach double figures in his four other innings and ended with 142 runs at 23.66.{{Cn|date=July 2024}}
===Revival===
Harbhajan returned to international cricket for the tour of Sri Lanka in July and August. In the First Test at Colombo, he took 2/149 as Sri Lanka amassed 600/6 declared and won by an innings. In the Second Test in Galle, he took 6/102 to help India take a first innings lead of 37 and then took 4/51 in the second innings to help India level the series with a 170-run win. It was his fifth ten-wicket match haul and his first outside India. He was again India's leading wicket-taker in the Third Test defeat, with 3/104 and 1/44. He was India's leading wicket-taker with 16 scalps at 28.12, twice as many the second most-prolific Indian. In the subsequent ODI series, he played in the first four matches, taking six wickets at 18.83 at an economy rate of 3.80, including 3/40 in the win in the fourth match, which sealed the series. He was rested from the final [[dead rubber]].{{Cn|date=July 2024}}
At the start of the Indian season, Harbhajan took 2/32 and 4/31 as the Rest of India defeated Delhi in the [[Irani Trophy]].{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} This was followed by the First Test against Australia in Bangalore. Harbhajan took Ponting's wicket in taking 1/103 in the first innings, but not before the Australian captain had scored 123. In reply to Australia's 430, India were in trouble at 195/6 when Harbhajan came in to bat. He scored a rearguard 54, putting on 80 with fellow bowler [[Zaheer Khan]], to reduce India's deficit to 70. He then took 2/76 in the second innings as the match ended in a draw.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} Ponting later cited Harbhajan and Zaheer's partnership as the passage of play that prevented an Australian win. In the Second Test at his home ground in Mohali, Harbhajan took 2/60 in the first innings as India took a 201-run first innings lead.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} In the second innings Australia were chasing 516 for victory and had started aggressively, reaching 49/0 after seven overs. Harbhajan was introduced into the attack and removed Hayden and [[Simon Katich]] in his first over and then [[Mike Hussey]] in his next. This triggered Australia's collapse to 58/5 and their eventual defeat by 320 runs. Harbhajan was unable to find a fourth wicket, which would have seen him reach 300 Test wickets on his home ground, and ended with 3/36. He was then ruled out of the drawn Third Test because of a toe injury. Harbhajan returned for the Fourth Test in Nagpur and dismissed Ponting for the tenth time in Tests in the first innings to register his 300th wicket. He ended with 3/94 as India took an 86-run lead. However, a batting collapse meant that India were 6/166 at tea on day four, only 252 runs ahead and facing possible defeat if Australia could clean up the tail quickly. Harbhajan then scored 52, combining in a 107-run partnership with captain [[Mahendra Singh Dhoni]] to guide India out of trouble. India then successfully defended the target of 380 to win by 172 runs, with Harbhajan taking 4/64 including top-scorer Hayden and the final wicket.{{Cn|date=July 2024}}
Harbhajan was the equal-leading wicket-taker for the series along with [[Ishant Sharma]], taking 15 wickets at 28.86. He also scored 125 runs at 41.66, helping to prevent two defeats.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} The series also saw the end of Harbhajan's partnership with Kumble, who missed the Second Test due to injury and then retired after suffering another wound in the next match. As a result, Harbhajan started a new pairing with leg spinner [[Amit Mishra]].{{Cn|date=July 2024}}
In the five-match home ODI series against England, Harbhajan took seven wickets at 30.29 and an economy rate of 5.04 as India won 5–0. He took one wicket in each of the matches, except the third match in Kanpur. In that match, he took 3/31, registered his 200th ODI wicket and was named man-of-the match. During the two Tests, Harbhajan was the equal-leading wicket-taker with eight wickets at 35.00 and he also scored 69 runs at 34.50. This included a 40 in the first innings of the First Test to help India reach 241 after a top-order collapse, keeping India's deficit to 75; they went on to win the match.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} Harbhajan ended the year as the third-highest wicket-taker in the world, and the highest among Indian players. He was named by ''[[Wisden Cricketers' Almanack|Wisden]]'' in their selection of the Test team of the year.{{Cn|date=July 2024}}
Harbhajan then missed the ODI tour of Sri Lanka at the beginning of the year with a hamstring injury. He recovered in time to be recalled for the tour of New Zealand. Harbhajan was the leading wicket-taker from both sides in both ODIs and Tests. Harbhajan was India's most economical bowler in the two T20 internationals at the start of the tour, taking a total of 2/34 from eight overs and scoring 21 in the first match; the hosts prevailed in both games. In series that saw four of the five ODIs truncated by rain, Harbhajan took five wickets at 29.60 at an economy rate of 5.69. He took 3/27 in the opening match, and then took 2/56 from ten overs in the third game, in which both teams passed 330, helping India to wins in both matches.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} In the First Test, Harbhajan took 1/57 and 6/63 to help set up a ten-wicket win. It was only the second time that he had taken [[five wickets in an innings]] outside the subcontinent. However, he was disappointing in a high-scoring draw in the Second Test, taking 2/120 as the hosts amassed 9/619 declared. In the Third Test, India suffered a middle-order collapse on the first afternoon, and a counter-attacking 60 by Harbhajan helped them to 379. He then took 3/43 and 4/59; New Zealand had only two wickets in hand when rain caused the match to end in a draw with more than a day's playing time lost. Harbhajan ended with 16 wickets at 21.37 and 94 runs at 23.50.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} India won both series, their first series win in New Zealand since 1981 and 1968 for ODIs and Tests respectively.{{Cn|date=July 2024}}
===2009 ICC tournaments===
Harbhajan was part of the Indian team that attempted to defend their crown at the [[2009 World Twenty20]]. However they lost all three of their matches in the Super 8s round and were eliminated. Harbhajan took 3/30 in one of those matches against England, and ended the tournament with five wickets at 26.20 and an economy rate of 6.55.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} During the tour of the West Indies that followed, Harbhajan took three wickets at 45.33, conceding almost a run a ball in three ODIs as India prevailed 2–1.{{Cn|date=July 2024}}
In September, Harbhajan took 5/56 in the final of the Compaq Cup to help secure a 46-run Indian win over the hosts Sri Lanka. It was his first five-wicket haul in three years and capped off a tournament in which he took six wickets at 22.00 in three matches. He then struggled at the [[2009 ICC Champions Trophy]] in South Africa, taking 1/71 from ten overs against Pakistan and 0/54 from nine overs against Australia. India lost to Pakistan and the latter match was washed out. He then took 2/14 from eight overs against the West Indies, but it was not enough to prevent India from being eliminated in the first round, despite winning the match.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
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During the tri-series in Bangladesh in January 2010, Harbhajan took six wickets at 24.00 in three matches. He missed the First Test due to neck pain but returned to take a total of 2/123 as India completed a clean sweep with a ten-wicket win in the Second Test.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
During New Zealand's tour of India in November 2010, Harbhajan scored his maiden Test century during the First Test in Ahmedabad. This was the 100th century by an Indian in the second innings and he reached triple figures with a six. His 115, along with Laxman's 91 saved the game for India after they had collapsed to 5/15. Harbhajan was named man of the match. He followed on in the next test with 111* in India's 1st innings, becoming the first no. 8 batsman to score back-to-back test centuries.<ref>{{cite web |title=McCullum leads New Zealand's quest for safety |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/new-zealand-tour-of-india-nov-2010-2010-11-464517/india-vs-new-zealand-2nd-test-464532/match-report-4 |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=21 February 2023 |archive-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221071226/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/new-zealand-tour-of-india-nov-2010-2010-11-464517/india-vs-new-zealand-2nd-test-464532/match-report-4 |url-status=live }}</ref>
After an ordinary performance with the ball in the 5-match ODI series in West Indies in June 2011 (where he was the [[captain (cricket)|vice captain]] to skipper [[Suresh Raina]]) (took 4 wickets from 3 matches, best of 3/32), he helped his team revive from dire straits in the 1st Test in [[Sabina Park]] at [[Kingston, Jamaica|Kingston]], Jamaica. With India struggling at 85/6, he along with [[Suresh Raina]] initiated a counter-attack to string an aggressive 146-run partnership with [[Suresh Raina]](82 off 115 balls, 15 fours) to help India reach 246. Harbhajan scored 70 from 74 balls (10 fours, 1 six).{{Cn|date=July 2024}}
===2011 removal from squad===
Following a few poor performances, Harbhajan was injured in India's tour of England in the summer/monsoon of 2011 and was ruled out of the rest of the series. Harbhajan was also not selected for the Australian tour and the [[2012 Asia Cup]] in Bangladesh. He was, however, included in 30 probables for the World T20 tournament held in Sri Lanka in September 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournaments/2012-world-twenty20/Yuvraj-Singh-named-in-Indias-World-T20-preliminary-squad/articleshow/15028027.cms |title=Yuvraj Singh named in India's World T20 preliminary squad |date=18 July 2012 |work=The Times of India |access-date=18 July 2012 |archive-date=18 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718125206/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournaments/2012-world-twenty20/Yuvraj-Singh-named-in-Indias-World-T20-preliminary-squad/articleshow/15028027.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/yuvraj-harbhajan-among-probables-for-world-t20-wc/20120718.htm |title=Yuvraj named in India's World T20 preliminary squa |website=Rediff.comd |date=18 July 2012 |access-date=18 July 2012 |archive-date=20 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120720223146/http://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/yuvraj-harbhajan-among-probables-for-world-t20-wc/20120718.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> He was recalled to the Test squad after a gap of more than a year against [[New Zealand]] at the end of August 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/i-have-to-start-afresh-harbhajan/987368/ |title=I have to start afresh: Harbhajan |website=Indianexpress.com |date=12 August 2012 |access-date=12 August 2012 |archive-date=6 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706042054/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/print/i-have-to-start-afresh-harbhajan/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Harbhajan was dropped from the test team after the 2013 series against Australia. He was called back to the test team after two years for a solitary test against [[Bangladesh]].{{Cn|date=July 2024}}
===2015–2016 inclusion===
Following performances in IPL for Mumbai Indians in 2015 and 2014, he was included in the test team captained by [[Virat Kohli]] against Bangladesh for the one-off test match in Fatullah. He took 3 wickets in that test to overtake Wasim Akram in the list of most test match wickets to become the ninth highest wicket-taker in Tests.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.firstpost.com/sports/harbhajan-singh-goes-past-akram-to-become-ninth-highest-wicket-taker-in-tests-2295284.html |title=Harbhajan Singh goes past Akram to become ninth highest wicket-taker in Tests |website=Firstpost.com |date=15 June 2015 |access-date=15 June 2015 |archive-date=17 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617032353/http://www.firstpost.com/sports/harbhajan-singh-goes-past-akram-to-become-ninth-highest-wicket-taker-in-tests-2295284.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He was then called up for the ODI and T20I teams when a second-string Indian side toured Zimbabwe to play three One-day and two Twenty-20 matches. Though he did not take many wickets in that tour, he was impressive maintaining a tight line and stopping the flow of runs.{{Cn|date=July 2024}}
Harbhajan returned with figures of 2/29 in his first T20 international over two and a half years. He was in the squad for the 3 test away series against Sri Lanka led by Virat Kohli. He replaced injured Ashwin in series against South Africa. He was also part of the team that played 3 T20I matches against Australia,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hiremath |first1=Vinay |title=India Twenty-20 Squad |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia-v-india-2015-16/content/squad/953671.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=23 April 2016 |archive-date=24 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424090318/http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia-v-india-2015-16/content/squad/953671.html |url-status=live }}</ref> home series against Sri Lanka, Asia Cup in Bangladesh. He played only one match in the Asia Cup against UAE.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hiremath |first1=Vinay |date=3 March 2016 |title=India crush UAE for their biggest T20I win |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/asia-cup-2015-16/content/story/978087.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=21 February 2023 |archive-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221071352/https://www.espncricinfo.com/asia-cup-2015-16/content/story/978087.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He was also part of the T20 World Cup that took place in India but did not play any of the matches.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hiremath |first1=Vinay |title=Mohammed Shami back for World T20 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/mohammed-shami-back-for-world-t20-969185 |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=5 February 2016 |access-date=21 February 2023 |archive-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221071532/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/mohammed-shami-back-for-world-t20-969185 |url-status=live }}</ref>
===2017 Champions Trophy exclusion===
Harbhajan was again excluded from the Indian squad for the 2017 Champions Trophy in England. After hearing of his exclusion, Harbhajan claimed he did not receive the same "privileges" other veteran cricketers, namely [[MS Dhoni]], have been afforded by the national selectors.<ref>Amitoj Singh. [https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/harbhajan-singh-says-he-doesnt-get-same-privileges-as-ms-dhoni-in-selection-matters-1703810 Harbhajan Singh Says He Doesn't Get Same 'Privileges' As MS Dhoni In Selection Matters.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527105023/https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/harbhajan-singh-says-he-doesnt-get-same-privileges-as-ms-dhoni-in-selection-matters-1703810 |date=27 May 2017 }} NDTV.</ref> After the media pounced on this comment, Harbhajan claimed the media frenzy took his statement out of proportion.<ref>DNA Web Team. [http://www.dnaindia.com/cricket/report-harbhajan-singh-blames-media-after-privilege-statement-against-ms-dhoni-goes-viral-2452711 Harbhajan Singh blames media after 'privilege' statement against MS Dhoni goes viral.] DNA India.</ref>
==Playing style==
Harbhajan was an attacking bowler who was regarded for his ball control and ability to vary his length and pace,<ref name="profile"/><ref name="bbcfire"/><ref name="attack"/> although he was often criticised for his flat trajectory.<ref name="loop3"/><ref name="loop"/><ref name="loop2"/><ref name="attack">{{cite news |title=I bowl to take wickets, not to contain batsmen:Harbhajan |url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/103649.html |date=25 June 2001 |access-date=15 January 2007 |work=ESPNcricinfo |archive-date=20 January 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130120015225/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/103649.html |url-status=live }}</ref> His main wicket-taking ball climbs wickedly on the unsuspecting batsman from a good length, forcing him to alter his stroke at the last second.<ref name="profile"/> With a whippy bowling action, he was reported for [[throwing (cricket)|throwing]] in November 1998. Although forced to travel to England for tests, his action was cleared by former [[English cricket team|English]] player [[Fred Titmus]].<ref name="Bose">{{cite book |first=Mihir |last=Bose |author-link=Mihir Bose |title=A History of Indian cricket |year=2002 |publisher=André Deutsch |pages=472–473 |isbn=0-233-05040-X}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Anand |last=Vasu |title=Harbhajan Singh:Succeeding in trying circumstances |url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/105432.html |date=23 April 2001 |access-date=15 January 2007 |work=ESPNcricinfo |archive-date=17 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717205729/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/105432.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
He has developed an ability to bowl the [[doosra]], which was the subject of an official report by [[match referee]] [[Chris Broad (cricketer)|Chris Broad]], on-field umpires [[Aleem Dar]] and [[Mark Benson]], and TV umpire [[Mahbubur Rahman (umpire)|Mahbubur Rahman]] after the Second Test between India and [[Bangladeshi cricket team|Bangladesh]] at [[Chittagong]], Bangladesh in December 2004.<ref name="report">{{cite news |title=Harbhajan Singh's action reported |url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/136089.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=7 February 2007 |date=20 December 2004 |archive-date=19 January 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119203236/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/136089.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The ICC cleared his action in May 2005, saying that the straightening of his elbow fell within the permitted limits.<ref>{{cite news |title=Harbhajan cleared to bowl |url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/210120.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=7 February 2007 |date=28 May 2005 |archive-date=8 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708141706/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/210120.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[Image:Anil Kumble.jpg |right |upright |thumb |[[Anil Kumble]] (pictured), Harbhajan's former Test captain and long-time bowling partner |alt=Brown skinned man with black, combed back hair, wearing rimless glasses and an open-necked lavender shirt with rolled up sleeves.]]
[[File:Ricky Ponting YM.jpg |thumb |left |[[Ricky Ponting]] (pictured) has been dismissed by Harbhajan ten times in Tests. |alt=A man stands in front of a brick wall; he is wearing a dark blue cap with matching stripes, and a matching T-shirt. He is cleanshaven bar some stubble and has brown hair.]]
Among off spinners, Harbhajan is the third highest wicket-taker in Test history, behind only [[Muttiah Muralitharan]] and [[Ravichandran Ashwin]]. He is the third-highest Test wicket-taker among all Indians.<ref name="report"/> Harbhajan [[bowling average|average]] with the ball in home Test matches hovers in the mid-20s. All five of his man of the match awards and both of his man of the series awards have been obtained in India. Outside India, his bowling average climbs to around 40. Statistically, his bowling in Test matches is most effective against the West Indies and Australia. As of May 2008, his most productive hunting grounds have been [[Eden Gardens]] in [[Calcutta]], where he has taken 38 wickets at 23.10 in six Tests, while the [[Chepauk]] in [[Chennai]], where he has claimed two-man of the match awards, has yield 34 wickets at 24.25 in five Tests.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} Harbhajan has claimed his wickets most cheaply at [[Wankhede Stadium]] in [[Mumbai]], where he has taken 22 wickets at 19.45. Compared to Muralitharan, Harbhajan is less reliant on targeting the stumps for his dismissals; he captures more than 60% of his wickets via catches and less than 25% by [[bowled|bowling]] or trapping batsmen [[leg before wicket]], whereas the corresponding figures for Muralitharan are in the 40s. Harbhajan's off spin complements Kumble's leg spin. While Harbhajan is known for his emotional and extroverted celebrations, which are part of a deliberate strategy of aggression, Kumble is known for his undemonstrative and composed approach.<ref>{{cite news |first=Vijay |last=Lokapally |title=Contrasting styles of the spin masters |url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/11/19/stories/2004111904521700.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001064503/http://www.hindu.com/2004/11/19/stories/2004111904521700.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 October 2007 |location=India |date=18 November 2004 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=1 March 2007}}</ref> Both spinners have opined that they bowl more effectively in tandem via persistent application of pressure to batsmen, but statistics have shown that while Kumble has performed better when paired with Harbhajan, Harbhajan has been more effective in Kumble's absence.<ref>{{cite news |first=S |last=Rajesh |title=Indian spin twins in tandem, and Murali magic in England |url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/columns/content/story/249982.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=9 June 2006 |access-date=1 March 2007 |archive-date=30 June 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060630060507/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/columns/content/story/249982.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Harbhajan has been particularly successful against Australian batsman [[Ricky Ponting]], taking his wicket on ten occasions in Test cricket.<ref>{{cite news |title=Krejza's eight and Harbhajan's 300 |url=http://content-www.cricinfo.com/indvaus2008/content/story/377345.html |date=7 November 2008 |access-date=12 November 2008 |work=ESPNcricinfo |archive-date=17 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717101833/http://content-www.cricinfo.com/indvaus2008/content/story/377345.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
In an interview in 2001, Harbhajan stated his ambition to become an [[all-rounder]].<ref name="allround">{{cite news |title=Harbhajan aims to be an all-rounder |url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/103792.html |date=28 June 2001 |access-date=15 January 2007 |work=ESPNcricinfo |archive-date=21 January 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130121051029/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/103792.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Although he had recorded a few half-centuries at Test level, his [[batting average (cricket)|batting average]] hovered around 15 in both Tests and ODIs. However, in the span of four years starting from 2003, he has shown improved performance, averaging around 20 with the bat.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} His style is frequently described as unorthodox, with pundits agreeing with his self-assessment attributing his batting achievements to his hand-eye coordination, rather than his footwork or technique.<ref name="tail"/><ref name="allround"/><ref>{{cite news |title=India Squad Profiles – Harbhajan Singh |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/in_depth/2001/india_in_south_africa/india_squad_profiles/1569256.stm |publisher=BBC |access-date=28 February 2007 |date=28 September 2001 |archive-date=24 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724051409/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/in_depth/2001/india_in_south_africa/india_squad_profiles/1569256.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> The aggression in Harbhajan's bowling also extends to his batting, with a Test [[strike rate]] in the 60s, placing him in the ten highest strike rates among players who have scored more than 1000 runs in Test cricket.<ref name="profile"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Best batting strike rate |url=http://www.icc-cricket.com/test/stats/bat_best_strike_rate.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070220113218/http://www.icc-cricket.com/test/stats/bat_best_strike_rate.html |archive-date=20 February 2007 |publisher=[[International Cricket Council]] |access-date=1 March 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Players with Best Scoring Rate (Min 1000 Runs) |url=http://howstat.com.au/cricket/Statistics/Batting/BattingAverages.asp?Stat=3 |publisher=[[International Cricket Council]] |access-date=28 May 2008 |archive-date=29 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080729084248/http://howstat.com.au/cricket/Statistics/Batting/BattingAverages.asp?Stat=3 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Controversies==
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===Altercations with Andrew Symonds and Sreesanth===
{{see also
[[File:Cricket Partnership.jpg |thumb|left |Harbhajan (left), batting with Tendulkar during the Second Test at the SCG. The altercation with Symonds occurred during their partnership. |alt=Two men wearing white uniforms shirts and trousers, blue helmets, gloves, pads and holding cricket bats meet one another on a cricket pitch to touch gloves. A crowd can be seen in the distance.]]
On 29 January, following the Fourth Test, the appeal hearing was conducted in [[Adelaide]] by ICC Appeals Commissioner Justice [[John William Hansen|John Hansen]]. The result was that the racism charge was not proved, resulting in the revocation of the three-Test ban imposed by Procter. However, Harbhajan was found guilty of using abusive language and fined 50% of his match fee. Hansen later admitted he "could have imposed a more serious penalty if he was made aware by the ICC of the bowler's previous transgressions"—including a suspended one-Test ban.<ref>{{cite news |title=ICC accepts blame for 'human and database errors' |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=31 January 2008 |url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ausvind/content/story/334306.html |access-date=28 May 2008 |archive-date=2 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080202012853/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ausvind/content/story/334306.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It was reported that senior players from both sides had written a letter to Hansen requesting that the charge be downgraded. According to this report, the letter was signed by Tendulkar and Ponting and counter-signed by [[Michael Clarke (cricketer)|Michael Clarke]], Hayden, and Symonds himself.<ref>{{cite web |last=Doshi |first=Anjali |title=Racism charge against Harbhajan dropped |publisher=[[NDTV]] |date=29 January 2008 |url=http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtvcricket/cricketstory.aspx?id=SPOEN20080039729&site=ndtv |access-date=29 January 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080201064853/http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtvcricket/cricketstory.aspx?id=SPOEN20080039729&site=ndtv |archive-date=1 February 2008
}}</ref><ref name="cleared">{{cite press release |title=Harbhajan Singh cleared of racism charges |publisher=ICC |date=29 January 2008 |url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ausvind/content/current/story/333986.html |access-date=29 January 2008 |archive-date=30 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080130082450/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ausvind/content/current/story/333986.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
In the aftermath of the hearing, Hayden called Harbhajan an "obnoxious weed" during a radio interview, which earned him a code of conduct violation charge from [[Cricket Australia]].<ref name="charge">{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/hayden-charged-for-obnoxious-weed-comments-788156.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220509/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/hayden-charged-for-obnoxious-weed-comments-788156.html |archive-date=9 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Independent |location=UK |title=Hayden charged for 'obnoxious weed' comments |first=Julian |last=Linden |date=27 February 2008 |access-date=27 February 2008}}</ref>
[[Image:Sreesanth.jpg |thumb |right |upright |[[Sreesanth]] (pictured), who was slapped by Harbhajan |alt=Young man wearing glasses and a white broad brimmed hat. He is wearing a black string necklace, blue T-shirt, and has a thin sideburn that links to a narrow beard, and a small thin moustache. He is wearing a light layer of white zinc cream on his face. A brick stand for spectators is in the background.]]
Harbhajan was involved in further controversy after
In 2021, he tendered an unconditional apology for sharing a social media post with a picture of [[Khalistani]] militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale to pay homage to those who died in '[[Operation Blue Star]]' of 1984. Facing backlash from all quarters, Harbhajan said he posted a WhatsApp forward on the 37th anniversary of the operation without realizing that the man in the picture was [[Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale|Bhindranwale.]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Harbhajan Singh apologises for Instagram post on Bhindranwale |url=https://sixsports.in/harbhajan-singh-apologises-for-instagram-post-on-bhindranwale/ |access-date=9 June 2021 |website=Six Sports |archive-date=9 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609041747/https://sixsports.in/harbhajan-singh-apologises-for-instagram-post-on-bhindranwale/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
===Twitter fight with Mohammad Amir===
On 27 October 2021, Harbhajan was involved in an ugly spat with Pakistani cricketer [[Mohammad Amir]] on [[Twitter]] following [[India national cricket team|India's]] loss to Pakistan in [[2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Harbhajan Singh on Twitter fight with Mohammad Amir: He's a disgrace who didn't play this game fairly |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/t20-world-cup-2021/video/exclusive-harbhajan-singh-calls-mohammad-amir-a-disgrace-india-vs-pakistan-t20-wc-1870253-2021-10-27 |access-date=30 October 2021 |website=India Today |date=27 October 2021 |language=en |archive-date=29 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029154525/https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/t20-world-cup-2021/video/exclusive-harbhajan-singh-calls-mohammad-amir-a-disgrace-india-vs-pakistan-t20-wc-1870253-2021-10-27 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Harbhajan Singh lashes out at Mohammad Amir in latest video |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/378548-harbhajan-singh-lashes-out-at-mohammad-amir-in-latest-video |access-date=30 October 2021 |website=Geo.tv |language=en |archive-date=6 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706042053/https://www.geo.tv/latest/378548-harbhajan-singh-lashes-out-at-mohammad-amir-in-latest-video |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=27 October 2021 |title=Harbhajan Singh, Mohammad Amir involved in ugly slugfest on Twitter over India-Pakistan matches |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/harbhajan-singh-mohammad-amir-involved-in-ugly-slugfest-on-twitter-over-past-india-pakistan-matches-101635299530546.html |access-date=30 October 2021 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=30 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030115759/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/harbhajan-singh-mohammad-amir-involved-in-ugly-slugfest-on-twitter-over-past-india-pakistan-matches-101635299530546.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Political career==
In March 2022, Singh was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the [[Aam Aadmi Party]] as one of their five candidates from the state of [[Punjab]]. He won unopposed and was officially elected as [[Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 March 2022 |title=All five AAP nominees from Punjab elected to Rajya Sabha unopposed |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/all-five-aap-nominees-from-punjab-elected-to-rajya-sabha-unopposed/article65256339.ece |access-date=27 March 2022 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=27 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327125038/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/all-five-aap-nominees-from-punjab-elected-to-rajya-sabha-unopposed/article65256339.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="elected">{{cite news |url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/punjab-from-raghav-chadha-to-harbhajan-singh-aap-s-all-5-candidates-elected-unopposed-to-rajya-sabha-2447661.html |title=From Raghav Chadha to Harbhajan Singh, AAP's all 5 candidates elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha from Punjab |publisher=Zee News |date=24 March 2022 |access-date=27 March 2022 |archive-date=27 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327010552/https://zeenews.india.com/india/punjab-from-raghav-chadha-to-harbhajan-singh-aap-s-all-5-candidates-elected-unopposed-to-rajya-sabha-2447661.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 18 July 2022, Harbhajan took oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha from [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] on the first day of the Monsoon session of Parliament.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 July 2022 |title=Harbhajan Singh takes oath as Rajya Sabha member, shares video |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/parliament-monsoon-session-2022-harbhajan-singh-takes-oath-as-rajya-sabha-member-shares-video-101658139076374.html |access-date=21 July 2022 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=21 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721081330/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/parliament-monsoon-session-2022-harbhajan-singh-takes-oath-as-rajya-sabha-member-shares-video-101658139076374.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Filmography==
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|-
| 2004
| ''[[Mujhse Shaadi Karogi]]'' || Himself || [[Hindi]] ||
|-
|2009 || ''[[Victory (2009 film)| Victory]]'' || Himself || Hindi || Special appearance<ref>{{cite news |last=Gupta |first=Shubhra |author-link=Shubhra Gupta |date=31 January 2009 |title=Victory |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/victory/ |work=[[The Indian Express]] |location=New Delhi |quote=A fleet of international cricketers have quite a lot of screen time. They include Harbhajan Singh and Jayasuriya and the dishy Brett Lee: their job is to stand around and applaud while our hero wins the matches. |access-date=6 July 2024 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=4 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204105349/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/victory/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| 2013
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===Television ===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable
|+
|-
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| Hindi
| Winner
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/harbhajan-mona-singh-winners-of-ek-khiladi-ek-haseena-300347.html |title=Harbhajan, Mona Singh; winners of Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena |date=26 October 2008 |work=News18 |access-date=24 January 2023 |archive-date=24 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124043412/https://www.news18.com/news/india/harbhajan-mona-singh-winners-of-ek-khiladi-ek-haseena-300347.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| 2012
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| Hindi
|
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/eyecatchers/story/20120123-cricketer-harbhajan-singh-in-verbal-duels-756994-2012-01-14 |title=Harbhajan Singh to host 'Ring Ka King-Wrestling Ka Mahayudh' |publisher=India Today |access-date=10 October 2023 |archive-date=6 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706042602/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/eyecatchers/story/20120123-cricketer-harbhajan-singh-in-verbal-duels-756994-2012-01-14 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| 2016
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| Hindi
|
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/Shoaib-Akhtar-and-Harbhajan-Singh-to-judge-a-TV-show/articleshow/53058623.cms |title=Shoaib Akhtar and Harbhajan Singh to judge a TV show |newspaper=The Times of India |date=5 July 2016 |access-date=10 July 2016 |archive-date=8 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708124805/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/Shoaib-Akhtar-and-Harbhajan-Singh-to-judge-a-TV-show/articleshow/53058623.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| 2017
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| Hindi
|
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/bhajji-shakes-a-leg-during-mtv-roadies-rising-auditions/articleshow/57448857.cms |title=Bhajji shakes a leg during MTV Roadies Rising auditions |work=The Times of India |date=3 March 2017 |access-date=24 January 2023 |archive-date=24 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124043358/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/bhajji-shakes-a-leg-during-mtv-roadies-rising-auditions/articleshow/57448857.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|2021–2022
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|Punjabi
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| style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite news |title=Dadagiri, Bhajji style |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/entertainment/dadagiri-bhajji-style-307031 |access-date=12 December 2021 |publisher=Tribune India |language=en |archive-date=29 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029164258/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/entertainment/dadagiri-bhajji-style-307031 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|}
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| years= 2022 – }}
{{s-end}}
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[[Category:Recipients of the Arjuna Award]]
[[Category:Commonwealth Games competitors for India]]
[[Category:Rajya Sabha members from Punjab, India]]
[[Category:Aam Aadmi Party politicians from Punjab, India]]
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