Sourav Ganguly handheld me at my career when I was a ‘No One’ Harbhajan Singh

Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh paid rich tribute to Sourav Ganguly saying it was the former Sourav Ganguly handheld me at my career when I was a ‘No One’, helped him evolve into the off-spinner he went on to become. Harbhajan Singh announced his retirement on Friday, bringing down the curtains on a 23-year-long international cricket.

After announcing his retirement on Friday, speaking to media Harbhajan Singh said Ganguly’s support was crucial to him in the nascent stage of his career. He also credited MS Dhoni for backing him and making use of his services well during the latter stages of his international career.

The off-spinner from Punjab who made his debut under Mohammad Azharuddin in 1998 evolved into a mainstay of the Indian cricket team during his time under Ganguly between 2001 and 2005. Harbhajan Singh played 118 matches (including ODIs and Tests) under Ganguly and picked up 273 wickets at an average of less than 29.

It was in 2001 that Harbhajan Singh stepped up in the absence of Anil Kumble and picked up 32 wickets in 3 Tests against Australia in India’s historic series victory. On the other hand, Harbhajan Singh won the 2007 T20 World Cup under MS Dhoni’s leadership and was part of the 2011 World Cup-winning side. He picked up 229 wickets in 133 matches under Dhoni for India.

“It’s a simple answer for me. Sourav Ganguly handheld me at that juncture of my career when I was a ‘No One’. But when Dhoni became the captain, I was a “Someone”. So, you need to understand the big difference,” Harbhajan Singh told the media on Friday. “Dada (Ganguly) knew I had skills but didn’t know whether I will deliver.

In the case of Dhoni, he knew that I have been there and done that. He knew that I have won matches before him and will win a few for him also. “In life and in any profession, you need that one person, who will guide you at the proper moment and Sourav was that man for me.

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If Sourav hadn’t fought for me and got me in the team, who knows, today you might not be taking this interview of mine. Sourav is the leader who made me what I am. “But yes, Dhoni certainly was a very good captain and he carried the legacy of Sourav and with Dhoni, together we fought some great battles that I will certainly cherish.”