Spinner Harbhajan Singh, who has been out of the team for many years, has retired. He has said goodbye to the safe format of cricket. Harbhajan, popularly known as Turbanator and Bhajji, played cricket for 23 years. In his journey, he has given India a chance to be proud on many occasions. When he was at his peak, every batsman in the world was afraid to play him. There was a time when the praise of Australian cricket used to speak. Even at that time, Harbhajan used to challenge the kangaroos by going to the house.
Caught in Monkeygate case
Harbhajan was involved in controversies. He came into controversies many times in his career. Talking about the biggest controversy, the Monkeygate episode in Australia was huge. Harbhajan was batting at the crease in the match stuck like a thorn. During this, Andrew Symonds was constantly provoking Bhajji to play big shots. When Bhajji reached the limit of tolerance, he retaliated by hitting Symonds, which went to the dismay of Australian captain Ponting. The Australian captain complained to the referee. But this complaint was not made about racism but about racial remarks.
Confronted Ricky Ponting many times
Ponting said that Bhajji has called Symonds a monkey. According to ICC rules, racial remarks are considered a Level 3 offense. The matter was heard after the end of the game on the third day. Harbhajan was found guilty and was banned for three matches. Indian players united in protest against this decision. The Indian players made it clear that, if the allegations of racist remarks on Bhajji are not withdrawn, then they will return after canceling the tour. The ICC handed over its hearing to New Zealand Judge John Hanson. Judge John Hanson gave his verdict after the hearing of the case and said that all the allegations against Bhajji are baseless.
Ricky Ponting and Bhajji fought on the field several times. Bhajji gets Ponting out several times. There was a time in 1998 when Harbhajan made his debut. Harbhajan got Ricky Ponting stumped off his ball in his first ODI series. Bhajji jumped as soon as Ponting was dismissed. After this, Ponting fought with Harbhajan.
Sreesanth was slapped
A picture of Sreesanth crying during a match between Mumbai and Punjab went viral. After a while the news came that Sreesanth has accused Harbhajan of slapping him. After this, both the players said in one of their interviews that nothing like this has happened. But, the very next day of the match, the controversy again took hold after the statement of match referee Farooq Engineer. Harbhajan was banned in IPL 2008 after the match referee spoke of slapping on the basis of evidence.
