Harbhajan Singh Biography
| Full Name | Harbhajan Singh Plaha |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Sonu, Bhajji, Turbanator |
| Profession | Cricketer |
| Date of Birth | 3 July 1980 |
| Age (as of 2023) | 43 Years |
| Birthplace | Jalandhar, Punjab, India |
| Zodiac sign | Cancer |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Jalandhar, Punjab, India |
| Schools | Jai Hind Model School, Government Model Senior Secondary School, Doaba School, Parvati Jain High School in Jalandhar |
| College | Did Not Attend |
| Educational Qualification | Higher Secondary |
| Family Caste | Punjabi |
| Coach/Mentor | Charanjit Singh Bullar and Davinder Arora |
| Religion | Sikhism |
| Address | Mumbai |
| Hobbies | Cricket and Music |
| Food Habit | Non-vegetarian |
Physical Stats
| Height | 180 cm (5’ 11”) |
|---|---|
| Eye Colour | Dark Brown |
| Hair Colour | Black |
Harbhajan Singh’s Wife & Children
| Marital Status | Married |
|---|---|
| Wife | Geeta Basra (Actress) |
| Marriage Date | 29 October 2015 |
| Children | Son- Jovan Veer Singh Plaha, Daughter- Hinaya Heer Plaha |
Harbhajan tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend, actress Geeta Basra, in 2015. They are blessed with a daughter and a son.
Harbhajan Singh’s Family
| Family Member | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Sardar Sardev Singh Plaha (Businessman) |
| Mother | Avtar Kaur (Housewife) |
| Brothers | Not Applicable |
| Sisters | 4 (Elder), 1 (Younger) |
Cricket Career
| International Debut | ODI- 17 April 1998 vs New Zealand Test- 25 March 1998 vs Australia T20- 1 December 2006 vs South Africa |
|---|---|
| Last Match | ODI- 25 October 2015 vs South Africa Test- 12 August 2015 vs Sri Lanka T20- 3 March 2016 vs UAE |
| International Retirement | 24 December 2021 |
Net Worth
Harbhajan Singh has an estimated net worth of $15 Million.
Records
- 3rd highest number of wickets by an off-spinner, highest in India.
- Dismissed Australian legend Ricky Ponting 10 times in tests.
- Won 5 Man of the Match and 1 Man of the Series awards on Indian soil.
Controversies
- Alleged by Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds for calling him “Monkey.”
- Harbhajan faced a ban for slapping Sreesanth during an IPL match in 2008 after he said “Hard Luck.”. The incident became one of the most talked-about controversies in the history of the Indian Premier League.
- Protested against in Amritsar due to a Royal Stag whiskey ad commercial.
Interesting Facts
- First Indian cricketer to take a hat-trick in a test match against Australia (2001).
- Owns a customized SUV Hummer H2 imported from London in 2009.
- Opened a film production company named “BM Media Productions” in 2013.
- Awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2003 and Padma Shri Award in 2009 for cricket.
- Honored with the designation of Deputy Superintendent in Punjab Police after his performance against Australia in 2001.
- Revealed a fear of using elevators in a popular talk show.
- Took oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha on 18 July 2022.
Early Life and Family Background
Harbhajan was born on July 3, 1980, into a Sikh family in Jalandhar, Punjab, India. He is the only son of Sardar Sardev Singh Plaha, a Sikh Freedom Fighter who owned a ball bearing and valve factory. Growing up with five sisters, Harbhajan’s family wanted him to take over the family business. However, his father saw potential in his cricket skills and encouraged him to focus on the sport.
Trained initially as a batsman by his first coach, Charanjit Singh Bhullar, Harbhajan later shifted to spin bowling under the guidance of Davinder Arora. His dedication to training, including long hours on the field, laid the foundation for his success.
Facing the unfortunate loss of his father in 2000, Harbhajan became the head of the family at a young age. By 2001, he had organized marriages for three of his sisters, showcasing his sense of responsibility towards his family.
Harbhajan’s performances on the cricket field did not go unnoticed. After a stellar display against Australia in 2001, the Government of Punjab honored him with 5 lakhs, a plot of land, and an offer to become a Deputy Superintendent of Police, an offer he didn’t accept.
Despite his success, Harbhajan faced challenges. In 2002, he sustained injuries in a scuffle with police in Guwahati. Later, at Auckland airport, he was fined for not declaring filthy boots in his luggage, showcasing that even cricket stars have their share of ups and downs.
Harbhajan’s domestic career saw him break into the Punjab Under-16s at a young age, showcasing his early potential. Over the years, he played for various teams, including Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His dedication to the sport continues, making him a respected figure on and off the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Harbhajan Singh’s Father?
- Harbhajan Singh’s father is Sardar Sardev Singh Plaha. He was not only a father figure but also a Sikh Freedom Fighter who owned a ball bearing and valve factory.
- What is the Nickname of Harbhajan Singh?
- Harbhajan Singh is affectionately called by his nicknames, Bhajji and Turbanator. These nicknames reflect his persona as a skilled and iconic cricketer.
- Where did Harbhajan Singh complete his Schooling?
- Harbhajan Singh completed his schooling at “Jai Hind Modal School” in Jalandhar, Punjab, India. His early education laid the foundation for his future in the world of cricket.
- Who is the Wife of Harbhajan Singh?
- Harbhajan Singh’s wife is Geeta Basra, an actress. The couple got married on October 29, 2015, in Jalandhar, marking a significant chapter in Harbhajan’s personal life.
- What is the Net Worth of Harbhajan Singh?
- Harbhajan Singh has an estimated net worth of $15 Million.
- What is the Bowling Style of Harbhajan Singh?
- Harbhajan Singh is known for his off-spin bowling style. His ability to spin the ball and take crucial wickets has contributed to his success and reputation as one of India’s premier spin bowlers.