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Wednesday, May 22nd 04:59 PM IST
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Harbhajan Singh GALLERY.
Harbhajan Singh joined an elite group of Indian cricketers, which consists the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar, as he took to the field in Chennai to play the first Test against Australia. A lot of of importance is attached to a first Test cap, but to get to 100 Tests means that you managed to get make the most of your potential as well.. Here's a look back at the statistics of nine other Indians to reach the milestone. strongSachin Tendulkar:/strongHe needs no introduction, so we'll do away with that. Since 1989, Sachin has grown from India's wonderboy to a star cricketer to the man that symbolises the nation's love of the game. In 194 matches, Sachin has scored 15,645 runs at an average of 54.32. But his most remarkable achievement is probably scoring 51 centuries. He has also taken 51 wickets. strongRahul Dravid:/strong'The Wall' was literally that for 163 Tests for India. His presence in the batting order and solidity are unparalleled. He has scored 13265 runs at an average of 52.63. Just in case you didn't know, he also has a wicket to his name. Dravid retired in 2012 with 36 centuries to his name. [caption id=attachment_635404 align=alignleft width=380 Harbhajan Singh joined an elite gro
When Harbhajan Singh was dropped having played 98 Test matches, it was unclear that he would reach the magic mark of 100 Tests. The lack of alternatives to push him, however, combined with the arrival of the Aussies, has made him just the tenth Indian cricketer to reach that particular milestone. It is an achievement he can justly be proud of. But what do we make of Harbhajan? His career numbers by themselves are not exceptional. The 400-plus wickets aside, a bowling average of 32.27 and a strike-rate of 68.1 suggest he was good, but not necessarily very good. He was also much, much better at home than he was away: An average of 28.53 and a strike-rate of 63.4 vs an average of 38.83 and a strike-rate of 76.3. [caption id=attachment_634714 align=alignleft width=380 When Harbhajan Singh was dropped ha
strongMumbai:/strong Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who Sunday made a comeback to the Test side, said comebacks are always tough in Tests and hoped to make a difference in the four-match series against Australia. Comebacks are always tough. As long as you continue to work hard and believe you can make a difference and do well in international cricket, you can make a comeback, said Harbhajan after the end of the Irani Cup match. I am very happy to be back in the Test squad and hopefully, I can make the difference there, said Harbhajan, whose last Test before this series was against England at the Wankhede Stadium. Harbhajan, a veteran of 99 Tests, said he always enjoys playing against Australia. [caption id=attachment_621017 align=alignleft width=380 strongMumbai:/strong Off-spinner Ha
Harbhajan Singh is not as free as you think. He may not be playing cricket, he may not be snapped in his Hummer too often and he has not been seen in movies since his role inemMujhse Shaadi Karoge./em BUT... he has kept himself busy... reciting poems. A video by Goyal Music calledemEk Suneha/emhas hit YouTube and even though it seems like a song, it's not. It's a recital by Harbhajan Singh. And, pardon us, it's funny. The video is directed by Sanjay Glory, who has also written the poem. [caption id=attachment_607093 align=alignleft width=380 Harbhajan Singh is not as free as y
strongRajkot/strong: Punjab captain Harbhajan Singh led from the front as his four-wicket haul brought Punjab right back in the hunt on the penultimate day of their Ranji Trophy semi-final against Saurashtra here today. Harbahajan grabbed four for 60 ---his best figures in the current Ranji season as Saurashtra were bowled out for paltry 170 which meant Punjab were required to chase 349 in 109 overs as the hosts had a commendable 178 run first innings lead. The visitors were 45 for two, needing another 304 runs with eight wickets in hand. In-form players Jiwanjot Singh and Taruwar Kohli were dismissed by left-arm seamer Jaydev Unadkat. However Punjab's chances will depend on how the trio of Ravi Inder Singh, Mandeep Singh and Uday Kaul negotiate the spin twins offie Kamlesh Makvana and left-arm spinner Vishal Joshi. [caption id=attachment_594521 align=alignleft width=380 strongRajkot/strong: Punjab captain
This file photo taken on September 12, 2003 shows former England cricket captain Tony Greig holding a cricket ball used by Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh when he became the first Indian to make a hat-trick in Test cricket, at an auction of cricket memorabilia in Bangalore. Former England captain and television commentator Tony Greig has died at the age of 66 after being diagnosed with lung cancer, Australia's Nine Network said on December 29, 2012. This file photo taken on September
Off spinner Harbhajan Singh, notchosen in the Indian playing eleven for the third Test matchin progress against England at Kolkata, is hopeful of gettinginto the side after leading Punjab in the Ranji Trophy leaguegame against Mumbai from tomorrow. I just wanted to come back and play some games because it is important to be in touch. In Kolkata, the sun setspretty quickly by 4 pm. It gets really dark and you don't getany practice by sitting out, said the Jalandhar-born playerat the Wankhede Stadium. [caption id=attachment_549574 align=alignleft width=380 Off spinner Harbhajan Singh, notcho
bKolkata/b: Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, Ajinkya Rahane and Bengal seamer Ashok Dinda were released by he tIndian team management yesterday so they can play in the next round of the Rani Trophy that starts on 8 December. While Harbhajan and Rahane have been released for the Group A Ranji encounter between Punjab and Mumbai in Mumbai, Dinda was relieved of national duty for Bengal's match against Saurashtra in the same group. The three cricketers, who were not included in the playing XI for the third Test against England at the Eden Gardens, were released for their respective Ranji encounters to get proper match practice. Harbhajan had been suffering from a viral infection but has recovered sufficiently to play for his state side. [caption id=attachment_547422 align=alignleft width=380 bKolkata/b: Off-spinner Harbhajan S
Spinner Harbhajan Singh is down with flu and did not attend the practice session Tuesday. Indian captain MS Dhoni, however, refused to predict the availability of Harbhajan for the Test against England at the Eden Gardens beginning Wednesday. [caption id=attachment_544777 align=alignleft width=380 Spinner Harbhajan Singh is down wit
Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh puts on his pads as he prepares to bat during a training session at The Sardar Patel Stadium at Motera in Ahmedabad on November 14, 2012. India plays their first test cricket match against England from November 15 in Ahmedabad. Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh pu
India's Harbhajan Singh (L) and his teammate Gautam Gambhir exercise during a cricket practice session in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad November 12, 2012. The first test cricket match between India and England will be played in Ahmedabad starting on November 15. India's Harbhajan Singh (L) and his
Indian cricketer, Harbhajan Singh arrives at a hotel in Ahmedabad on November 12, 2012. The Indian cricket team plays their first test against England in Ahmedabad starting on November 15. Indian cricketer, Harbhajan Singh a
Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh (L) jokes with teammate Pragyan Ojha during a training session on the third day of a three day camp at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) in Mumbai on November 11, 2012. The Indian cricket team has opted for a three day training camp ahead of their upcoming four test series against England. Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh (L
Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh arrives in the paddock prior to The Formula One Indian Grand Prix 2012 at The Buddh International circuit in Greater Noida, on the outskirts of New Delhi on October 28, 2012. Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh ar
Harbhajan Singh is a nice guy. He has good spirit and can lift the mood of the dressing room. He's also up for a fight each time he steps on to the ground. The opposition doesn't like him; his team-mates (with the exception of perhaps Sreesanth) love him. He also always ready to give the media a nice, juicy quote. But are these qualities enough for the BCCI to give him a Grade B contract worth Rs 50 lakhs? Well, apparently they are because based solely on his bowling; he should be out of a contract at this point. The Grade A contract (worth a crore) features nine players (Sachin Tendulkar, M S Dhoni, Zaheer Khan, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin) this year - they are all players who command a place in at least the Test or ODI team by right. [caption id=attachment_504053 align=alignleft width=380 Harbhajan Singh is a nice guy. He h
The BCCI today downgraded Harbhajan Singh's contract from Grade 'A' to Grade 'B' while Yuvraj Singh, Virat Kohli and R Ashwin's contracts have been upgraded to Grade 'A'. In total, the BCCI have awarded central contracts to 37 players. The Grade 'A' contract is worth Rs 1 crore and the Grade 'B' contract is worth Rs 50 lakh. The Grade 'C' contract is worth Rs 25 lakh. [caption id=attachment_503750 align=alignleft width=380 The BCCI today downgraded Harbhajan
strongDurban:/strong Mumbai Indians skipper Harbhajan Singh said the defending champions paid the price for a slow start in their 12-run loss to Sydney Sixers in a Group B match of the Champions League Twenty20 at Kingsmead, here last night. Mumbai Indians' disastrous campaign in the tournament came to an end with their third defeat in four matches as they failed to perform as a unit in high-pressure situations, thus ending on a winless note. This was a kind of a game that hurt more than last few games. 137 was very much gettable, not just in 20 overs, but 18 overs. I think we batted too slow in the opening part and didn't look to carry on, said Harbhajan at the post-match presentation ceremony. Openers Sachin Tendulkar and Dwayne Smith started the run chase on a cautoious note as the pair had a tough time negotiating Sydney bowlers before reaching 30 in the six overs of the powerplay. [caption id=attachment_499346 align=alignleft width=380 strongDurban:/strong Mumbai Indians
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 22: Harbhajan Singh of Mumbai bats during the Champions League twenty20 match between Sydney Sixers and Mumbai Indians at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on October 22, 2012 in Durban, South Africa. DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 22:
Harbhajan Singh of the Mumbai Indians eyes the ball on October 22, 2012 during a Champions League T20 (CLT20) match Sydney Sixers vs Mumbai Indians at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead in Durban. Harbhajan Singh of the Mumbai India
Mumbai Indians batsman Harbhajan Singh (R) lines up a shot as Chennal Super Kings wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (L) waits to make a catch on October 20, 2012 during a Group B Champions League T20 (CLT20) match at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. Mumbai Indians batsman Harbhajan Si
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 20: Harbhajan Singh of Mumbai about to hit a boundary with MS Dhoni looking on during the Karbonn Smart CLT20 match between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians at Bidvest Wanderers Stadium on October 20, 2012 in Johannesburg, South Africa. JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBE
Mumbai Indians Harbhajan Singh (L) celebrates with bowler Lasith Malinga (C) for getting the third wicket of the Chennal Super Kings on October 20, 2012 during a Group B Champions League T20 (CLT20) match at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. Mumbai Indians Harbhajan Singh (L)
Mumbai Indians Harbhajan Singh (C) celebrates with his teammate Lasith Malinga (L) for the wicket of Chennai Super Kings batsman Suresh Raina during the Champions League T20 (CLT20) game between The Chennai Super Kings and the Mumbai Indians at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on October 20, 2012. Mumbai Indians Harbhajan Singh (C)
Mumbai Indians captain Harbhajan Singh (2nd R) talks with Mumbai Indians captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (2nd L) before the Champions League T20 (CLT20) game between The Chennai Super Kings and the Mumbai Indians at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on October 20, 2012. Mumbai Indians captain Harbhajan Si
strongJohannesburg/strong: Mumbai Indians skipper Harbhajan Singh said they will need to play better cricket and felt the defending champions were 20 runs short after losing their opening match in the Champions League Twenty20. Mumbai suffered an eight-wicket defeat to local outfit Highveld Lions who rode on Neil McKenzie and Quinton de Kock's blazing half-centuries at the New Wanderers Stadium. We need to play better cricket. There was a bit of dew, but we can't complain about that. I think we were 20 runs short, Harbhajan said in the post-match presentation ceremony. Harbhajan was of the opinion that his batsmen failed to attack the Lions spinners.I think we didn't look to attack their spinners, he (Dirk Nannes) got away with 15 runs for four overs. He defended the move to send Mitchell Johnson ahead of specialists like Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik and Kieron Pollard.Mitchell Johnson was the only left-hand batsman we had, he said about the Aussie who gobbled up a lot of balls enroute to his knock of 30. [caption id=attachment_490518 align=alignleft width=380 strongJohannesburg/strong: Mumbai I
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 14: Harbhajan Singh of Mumbai prepares to bowl during the Karbonn Smart CLT20 match between Highveld Lions and Mumbai Indians at Bidvest Wanderers Stadium on October 14, 2012 in Johannesburg, South Africa. JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBE
Mumbai Indians bowler Harbhajan Singh goes to congratulate the Highveld Lions after losing to them in the Group B Match of The Champions League T20 (CLT20) at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on October 14, 2012. Mumbai Indians bowler Harbhajan Sin
Highveld Lions captain Alviro Petersen and Mumbai Indians bowler Harbhajan Singh exchange glances after Highveld Lions won the match in the Group B Match of The Champions League T20 (CLT20) at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on October 14, 2012. Highveld Lions captain Alviro Peter
Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh delivers the ball during an ICC Twenty20 Cricket World Cup practice session ahead of Super Eight match against Australia in Colombo on September 27, 2012. Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh de
Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir (C), Virender Sehwag (L), and Harbhajan Singh (R) arrive during an ICC Twenty20 Cricket World Cup practice session ahead of Super Eight match against Australia in Colombo on September 27, 2012. Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir (C)