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Xtra Time Web Desk : Former Team India off spinner Harbhajan Singh on Friday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on his social media account. This marked the end of his 23 year long stupendous career which had quite a lot of unforgettable moments including the 2011 World Cup triumph.


And after Bhajji’s retirement announcement, legends of the game like Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid alongside current Team India superstars Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara paid heartfelt tribute to the legendary off spinner.


Congratulating the Turbanator, former Team India captain and current BCCI President in a statement said, "I congratulate Harbhajan Singh on a remarkable career. He has faced several challenges in his life, but Bhajji is not the one to give up. He has overcome many hurdles and put many setbacks behind him to rise every time. What inspired me the most about him was his hunger to perform. His strength was his guts and courage. He was always very passionate, and his immense self-belief meant he never shied away from a fight. He also kept the dressing room atmosphere light and that is something really important. As a bowler, he hated putting fielders in the deep. Bhajji has been an absolute match-winner. He should be proud of what he has achieved. I want to tell him that the new innings in his life will be as exciting."


Alongside Ganguly, the Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar also paid tribute to the 41 year old and said, "What a wonderful & fulfilling career, Bhajji! I first met you at India nets in '95 - over the years, we've been part of wonderful memories. You have been a great team man, playing with all your heart. Both on the field and off it - it is always fun to have you as part of any team. I cannot forget all those moments of laughter. You have done your best for India in your long career, we are all very proud of you. Wishing you happiness and success in the 'doosra' phase of your career."

https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1474336582018560001?t=rn3Eed4h3oJfpnuuna2ypw&s=09


Also, the current Team India coach Rahul Dravid congratulated Bhajji on his retirement and stated, "Harbhajan had many ups and downs in his career but he has always come out fighting. Great competitor and a great team man, someone you wanted to go to battle with. Obviously, one of those great performers for India. To be a great sort of partner along with Anil Kumble, part of so many of our great wins during that period, its pleasure and privilege to play alongside him. Hughlight of BHajji's career was 32 wickets and just to see the way he came back after being dropped from the team, the way he carried that attack in absence of Anil Kumble was phenomenal."

https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1474404625050583040?t=HRRqIuRZGEYApIBfou-X0A&s=09