Harbhajan Singh has not played for India since their tour of England last year © AFP
By CricketCountry Staff
Mumbai: Jul 3, 2012
Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, born on July 3, 1980 in Jalandhar, Punjab and only the third Indian after Kapil Dev and Anil Kumble to take more than 400 wickets in Test cricket, celebrates his 32nd birthday today.
The right-arm off-spinner, who has taken 665 international wickets (406 in Tests and 259 in ODIs) in his 13-year-long international career, has had a career ridden with controversies.
The mercurial spinner has not played for India since their tour of England last year, and it is likely that Indian national selectors give him a chance in the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka later this month.
The low bouncing, spinning tracks in Lanka could prompt the selectors to include the feisty bowler who led Mumbai Indians to a play-off spot in the Indian Premier League.
His form for Mumbai Indians during the recently concluded India Premier League 2012 was disappointing. He took just six wickets in 16 matches, at an average of 64.0, and went unimpressive with his leadership skills.
India-discard Harbhajan said he is taking inspiration from former captain Sourav Ganguly to make a remarkable comeback in the national side.
Harbhajan played the first two of the four-match Test series, which India lost 4-0, before being ruled out of the Test series due to stomach injury.
“Dada made some brilliant comebacks. Staying close to him for so many years, we have imbibed some of his good qualities. So, I feel if he could do it, why can’t I?” Harbhajan said a few days ago.
Harbhajan recently signed with the English county side Essex to play in the Division Two of the championship later this season.
