Harbhajan Singh (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
Harbhajan Singh is regarded as one of the finest off-spinners India have ever seen. He was part of the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 Cricket World Cup winning team and is the third-highest wicket-taker for India in all three formats combined. Nicknamed Bhajji, the Turbanator, in his second innings, became a politician, film actor, and cricket commentator.
Even though his 43-year lifespan has been graced with remarkable successes, Harbhajan still feels that he has ‘less’. In a conversation with his former national teammate Shikhar Dhawan on the talk show ‘Dhawan Karenge’, Harbhajan recalled his childhood memories and the love of a father who dreamed of his son succeeding.
When asked about his family, Harbhajan said that he wants his children to be good human beings and that he will support them in achieving what they want to be. He also mentioned his father, Sardar Sardev Singh Plaha, who was a great inspiration to the cricketer and helped him make a name for himself.
“As a father, I want my kids to be good human beings, and I pray to God for the same. It’s their choice whatever they want to be; we will support them. I also draw a lot of inspiration from my father. He was very hard-working. It was his dream to see me succeed and make a name for myself. It is uncanny that now I have made a mark for myself and he’s not here to witness it,” Harbhajan said.
“I’m sure he is watching over and blessing me. If I could trade everything I have just to meet my father, I would gladly do so. The old days were the best days. At that time, I felt like there was less, but there was plenty, and now it feels like I have plenty, but it feels less,” he added.
Dhawan, who is currently away from cricket action, has embarked on a new journey as the host of the talk show “Dhawan Karenge”. The show showcases the worlds of cricket and Bollywood in a unique and engaging way for the audience. After a successful first two episodes, featuring Bollywood star Akshay Kumar and Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, Bhaji was invited for the third episode of the show.