Harbhajan Singh reveals missing out on VVS Laxman-Rahul Dravid 2001 Kolkata partnership

Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh was part of side that defeated Australia in a memorable Border-Gavaskar Test series of 2001. spin wizard scalped 32 wickets in three matches and was an instrumental figure in halting Australia’s 16-match winning streak during course of series. While series win is remembered as one of India’s finest, second Test held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata is widely considered as one of greatest matches ever played in sporting history.

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Harbhajan Singh reveals missing out on VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid marathon

India won second Test (March 11-15, 2001) in Kolkata by 171 runs. win is considered a memorable one because it was only third instance in Test history where a team won in spite of following on. match also witnessed an end to Australia’s 16-match domination and some Test cricket excellence from VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid and Harbhajan Singh.

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In match, India conceded a 274-run first-innings lead and were asked to bat again by Australian captain Steve Waugh. However, an epic 376-run partnership between VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid defied Australian attack throughout India’s second innings. While writing for a leading Indian daily, Harbhajan Singh recently revealed that he missed out witnessing partnership as players in balcony were instructed by Sachin Tendulkar to t move from ir positions. He added that Sachin Tendulkar made m sit on same position throughout day-and-a-half duration of ir epic marathon stand. Harbhajan Singh also revealed that since he was sitting inside dressing room, he did t see a single ball and only got up to clap upon VVS Laxman reaching his hundred.

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A quick recap of 2001 Kolkata Test

376-run stand between VVS Laxman (281) and Rahul Dravid (180) took India to 657-7. While Australia were left with a target of 384 runs for victory, y folded for just 212 on final day. Harbhajan Singh himself was wrecker-in-chief with ball as he picked up figures of 7-123 and 6-73 in match. While Sourav Ganguly-led side won second Test to level series at 1-1, y also won thrilling affair in Chennai a week later to claim series 2-1.

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