Harbhajan Singh recalls first time Sachin Tendulkar, Mohd Azharuddin spotted him in nets

Veteran Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh made his international debut in 1998. Since n, he has represented national side in 103 Tests, 236 ODIs and 28 T20Is to bag 711 international wickets. Harbhajan Singh is widely regarded as one of finest off-spinners India has ever produced. Quite recently, cricketer recalled time when he was spotted by likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Mohammad Azharuddin one year prior to his debut.

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Harbhajan Singh recalls Sachin Tendulkar’s advice

Harbhajan Singh recently spoke with cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra on latter’s YouTube channel. During interaction, 103-Test veteran talked about a certain net session in Mohali when his impressive off-spinners caught attention of Sachin Tendulkar and n Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin. Harbhajan Singh said that during a Test match in Mohali in 1997, he was called in to bowl at former Indian bowler Debasish Mohanty in nets. He admitted to being nervous at time because batting icon Sachin Tendulkar was standing next to him.

Harbhajan Singh, who was only 17 at time, furr stated that he mand to dismiss Mohanty four-five times in a of seven-eight deliveries, thus prompting Ajay Jadeja to call Mohammad Azharuddin by saying “look at this boy”. Apparently Sachin Tendulkar also got impressed by his abilities as he recalled ‘Master Blaster’s’ advice to him of focusing on his game. Harbhajan Singh furr stated that his future teammate wished him all best and hoped that he would play for India.

off-spinner revealed that Sachin Tendulkar’s words really impacted him as he began to put more effort into his training. He believes that was day when he was truly spotted as a year later, he was playing Test cricket for India alongside Tendulkar.

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Harbhajan Singh recalls interaction with Sachin Tendulkar, watch video

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Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh in Team India and Mumbai Indians

Both Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh were part of Indian team that lifted 2011 World Cup at Wankhede Stadium. Moreover, two cricketers also shared same dressing room through  Mumbai Indians in Indian Premier League (IPL) from 2008 till 2013. While Sachin Tendulkar anunced his IPL retirement after 2013, Singh was released by franchise after 2017 edition of tournament.

IPL 2020: Harbhajan Singh in CSK

After his 10-year stint with Mumbai Indians, Harbhajan Singh was acquired by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) prior to launch of IPL 2018. Even during IPL 2020 trading and transfer window, cricketer became one of 20 players to be retained by franchise from ir squad of previous season. Harbhajan Singh is w slated to reprise his role for CSK in w-postponed IPL 2020 season.

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