‘Legends never retire’: Fans shower love and gratitude after legendary Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh announces retirement

New Delhi: Legendary Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh announced his retirement “from all formats of the game.” Through a video message shared on Twitter, Harbhajan stated that “In many ways, I had already retired,” however, due to his commitments with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, he was forced to delay his announcement.

Harbhajan has been an incredible player and an integral part of the Indian team from the 2000s and also won the 2007 ICC WT20 and the 2011 ICC World Cup along with his team under the captaincy of MS Dhoni.  Harbhajan’s performance in helping India in beating Steve Waugh’s all-conquering Australian side in a home Test series raised him to fame.

Harbhajan took to Twitter wrote, “All good things come to an end and today as I bid adieu to the game that has given me everything in life, I would like to thank everyone who made this 23-year-long journey beautiful and memorable. My heartfelt thank you. Grateful.”

All good things come to an end and today as I bid adieu to the game that has given me everything in life, I would like to thank everyone who made this 23-year-long journey beautiful and memorable.
My heartfelt thank you ? Grateful .https://t.co/iD6WHU46MU

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) December 24, 2021

Meanwhile, it has been a tough day for his fans. His followers wished him luck and thanked him for his amazing performances on-field that helped the Indian team several times to reach their goal. Harsh Bhogle, the renowned commentator of cricket wrote in regards of him, “What a great career @harbhajan_singh. Wonderful to see you flower from a slim, young, talented cricketer to a match-winner. Wish you lots of happiness and satisfaction. You gave your family so much to be proud of.”

What a great career @harbhajan_singh. Wonderful to see you flower from a slim, young, talented cricketer to a match-winner. Wish you lots of happiness and satisfaction. You gave your family so much to be proud of https://t.co/QsMjX5eymD

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 24, 2021

Below are the reactions of the netizens on Harbhajan’s retirement:

Champion Player. One of the finest the world has seen. Wish you all the best for the second innings… ?? https://t.co/1WrmKuPnoy

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 24, 2021

Congratulations @harbhajan_singh on a phenomenal career with #TeamIndia spanning almost two decades. You played with grit and passion and wore your heart on your sleeve. My best wishes for all your future endeavours. https://t.co/lRiwHbkT6i

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) December 24, 2021

We loved being a part of your journey too paaji.. that swag, attitude & doosra off course:)
Rock again, second innings…@YUVSTRONG12 https://t.co/MHZc8z70EQ

— amit alphy (@AmitAlphy) December 24, 2021

Still remember your start in test matches against Australia in India where you ripped them apart. Who would have known that the skinny sardar boy will become one of the best ever to play for India. Have followed your journey from my school days to adulthood and my salute to you. https://t.co/U6xS0ovf0P

— Budwiser (@siddharth_says) December 24, 2021

A proud, feisty, fiery cricketer retires! Congratulations on a super career! Wish you well for whatever you do next, @harbhajan_singh! #ThankYouHarbhajan ?? https://t.co/KqVkUrXsfd

— Manish Batavia (@manishbatavia) December 24, 2021

Congratulations to your fantastic career you achieved alot for country while representing India in cricket whether it’s WC or famous test wins..But as you said in video “cricket ne mujhe sab kch diya Jai Hind” jst remember this thing always don’t be like @sherryontopp Jai Hind? https://t.co/OXHKa9AE73

— Mahesh Mohanty (@ItsMahicasm) December 24, 2021

What an absolute match winner Bhajji has been for India. A great career ends, but his contribution to indian cricket & fans across the world will remain etched forever.
+ who can forget the Ind-Aus test series of 2001. Stuff #legends are made of.
Congrats @harbhajan_singh !! https://t.co/PhukocUQFz

— Pratyush (@PratzWits) December 24, 2021

Signing off in his own style…the turbnator..,??
Thank u bhajju paa.. https://t.co/gdwkiQECTN

— Akash kuntal?? (@Drakashkuntal) December 24, 2021

.@harbhajan_singh announces retirement from all formats of cricket. The first Indian to take hat-trick in Test cricket. https://t.co/9sruItgnZI

— I_am_Priya (@marathimulgii) December 24, 2021

Thank you so much for everything ?
Thanks for making our childhood days awesome… We love you ❤️ https://t.co/eK0674WWx9

— Payal Mukherjee (@VidyutsPayal) December 24, 2021

Legends never retire.
Best wishes for your second innings sir. #harbhajansingh https://t.co/6m7lbkmzcm

— Vivek Singh (@imviveksingh09) December 24, 2021