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Explore the complete biography of Harbhajan Singh – India’s legendary spinner. Discover his cricket career, IPL stats, records, wife, retirement life, and net worth in 2025.
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Harbhajan Singh biography, Harbhajan Singh 2025, Harbhajan Singh wife, Harbhajan Singh IPL, Harbhajan Singh records, Turbanator, Harbhajan Singh net worth, Indian spin legends
🏏 Harbhajan Singh Biography (2025): The Turbanator’s Journey From Cricket Legend to Celebrity Icon
Harbhajan Singh, popularly known as The Turbanator, is one of India’s most celebrated and charismatic cricketers. From his deadly spin on the field to his humorous persona off it, Harbhajan has etched his name among the greatest Indian bowlers of all time.
In this comprehensive blog post, we explore the full Harbhajan Singh biography, his cricket career, records, family life, film ventures, business, and what he’s up to in 2025.
📚 Table of Contents
- Early Life and Background
- Domestic Cricket Journey
- International Debut and Rise
- Iconic Performances
- Harbhajan Singh Records
- IPL Career Highlights
- Controversies and Comebacks
- Retirement and Beyond
- Personal Life & Family
- Harbhajan Singh in Movies
- Net Worth 2025
- Awards and Recognition
- Social Media Presence
- FAQs
- Conclusion
👶 Early Life and Background
- Full Name: Harbhajan Singh Plaha
- Nickname: Bhajji, Turbanator
- Date of Birth: July 3, 1980
- Birthplace: Jalandhar, Punjab, India
- Education: Doaba School, Jalandhar
Born into a Sikh family, Harbhajan Singh initially trained as a batsman. However, after the sudden death of his coach and some personal setbacks, he focused on off-spin bowling, which changed his destiny.
🏏 Domestic Cricket Journey
Harbhajan began his domestic cricket career with Punjab at the age of 17.
- Debuted in Ranji Trophy (1997–98)
- Represented North Zone in Duleep Trophy
- Consistently took wickets in first-class and List A matches, which earned him an India call-up
🇮🇳 International Debut and Rise
➤ Test Debut:
- Date: March 25, 1998
- Against: Australia
➤ ODI Debut:
- Date: April 17, 1998
- Against: New Zealand
Despite a rocky start, Harbhajan’s career turned around during the 2001 Border-Gavaskar Trophy where he demolished Australia’s batting lineup.
🌟 Iconic Performances
✅ 2001 Series vs Australia:
- Took 32 wickets in 3 Tests
- First Indian to take a hat-trick in Tests
- Dismissed Ricky Ponting multiple times, becoming his nemesis
✅ Champions Trophy 2002:
- Key in India’s journey to the finals
- Produced economical spells with match-winning performances
✅ 2007 T20 World Cup:
- Played a crucial role in India’s maiden T20 World Cup victory
- Bowled key overs under pressure
📈 Harbhajan Singh Career Records
🔹 Test Matches:
- Matches: 103
- Wickets: 417
- Best Bowling: 8/84
- Average: 32.46
- 5-Wicket Hauls: 25
- 10-Wicket Hauls: 5
🔹 ODIs:
- Matches: 236
- Wickets: 269
- Best Bowling: 5/31
- Economy: 4.31
🔹 T20Is:
- Matches: 28
- Wickets: 25
- Best Bowling: 4/12
🏆 Harbhajan Singh in IPL
| Season | Team | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 2008–2017 | Mumbai Indians | 3x IPL Champion, Vice Captain |
| 2018–2020 | Chennai Super Kings | Consistent middle-over bowler |
| 2021 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Leadership & mentorship role |
IPL Stats:
- Matches: 163
- Wickets: 150+
- Economy: 6.78
- Renowned for his clutch bowling in key matches
⚡ Controversies and Comebacks
- 2008 Slapgate Scandal – Slapped Sreesanth during an IPL match
- Monkeygate Incident (2007–08) – Verbal altercation with Andrew Symonds in Australia
- Dropped from the national team (2012) due to form but made a brief comeback in 2015
Despite controversies, Harbhajan earned respect for his resilience and ability to bounce back.
👋 Retirement and Post-Cricket Life
Harbhajan Singh announced retirement from all forms of cricket on December 24, 2021.
Post-retirement, he transitioned into:
- Commentary & Cricket Analysis – Featured on Star Sports & Sony
- Politics – Elected to Rajya Sabha in 2022 (Aam Aadmi Party)
- Business Ventures – Sports academies, fashion brands, endorsements
- TV Appearances – Reality shows, cricket panels
💑 Personal Life & Family
- Wife: Geeta Basra (Bollywood actress)
- Marriage: October 29, 2015
- Children: Daughter Hinaya Heer Plaha and son Jovan Veer
Harbhajan and Geeta are known for their strong bond and public appearances.
🎬 Harbhajan Singh in Movies
Bhajji made his acting debut in Tamil film “Friendship” (2021). He has expressed interest in expanding his career in:
- Punjabi cinema
- Cricket-based documentaries
- Brand campaigns & advertisements
💰 Harbhajan Singh Net Worth 2025
| Category | Estimated Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | ₹65–₹80 Crores (Approx. $8–10 Million) |
| Major Earnings | IPL contracts, BCCI salary, endorsements |
| Assets | Properties in Mumbai, Punjab, Dubai |
| Businesses | Bhajji Sports Academy, Fashion Line |
🏅 Awards and Recognition
- Arjuna Award – 2003
- Padma Shri – 2009
- ICC Best Bowling Performance – 2001
- Numerous Man of the Match/Series awards
- Hat-trick Hero – 1st Indian in Tests
📱 Social Media Presence
Harbhajan Singh stays highly active and vocal on platforms:
- Twitter: @harbhajan_singh
- Instagram: @harbhajan3
- YouTube: “Bhajji Blast” – Cricket chats with fellow cricketers
❓ FAQs
Q. What is Harbhajan Singh doing in 2025?
He is active in politics, commentary, business, and media appearances.
Q. Is Harbhajan Singh married?
Yes, he is married to Geeta Basra, and they have two children.
Q. How many wickets did Harbhajan take in Tests?
He took 417 wickets in Test cricket, making him one of India’s all-time leading wicket-takers.
Q. What is Harbhajan Singh’s nickname?
He is famously called The Turbanator and Bhajji.
📝 Conclusion
From spinning webs around world-class batsmen to making headlines with his bold personality, Harbhajan Singh is a name that continues to resonate across generations. In 2025, his journey from cricketer to celebrity-politician stands as a testament to his versatility and enduring popularity.
Whether with the ball or in front of the camera, Bhajji continues to inspire millions. His life is a celebration of skill, strength, and staying relevant — both on and off the field.
