Harbhajan Singh might join politics after retiring from international cricket

Out of favour Indian off-spinner, Harbhajan Singh has expressed his desire to serve the country after calling it quits from international cricket. While talking to media during a gathering in Jalandhar where he and his family members cast their votes, Harbhajan pointed out that Punjab needs a government which would solely focus on job enhancement and empowerment of youths in the state.

“To serve the state, it is not mandatory to join politics. The state can be served through various ways. Now, I am playing cricket. When I will be free, I will consider serving the state,” Harbhajan was quoted as saying by Sportzwiki. The off-spinner cast his vote at polling booth number 23 along with his mother Avtar Kaur. According to reports, among the 117 Assembly seats of Punjab around 75% have exercised their franchise and as many as 1,145 candidates are still in the reckoning.

“We need a government which will think more about youths, bring jobs for them and take the state forward. The government should resolve grievances of the people promptly,” Harbhajan concluded. He was one of the premier spinners for India during his heydays and along with Anil Kumble, the duo gave nightmares to many serious batting line-ups. Making his debut for the national team way back in 1998, Harbhajan hogged the limelight during the Test series against Australia in 2001.

He was just unplayable on certain occasions and bagged 32 wickets in just 3 Tests at an astounding average of 17.03. His best figures came in final and the deciding Test in Chennai where he finished with figures of 8/84. He started growing in stature ever since then and went on to become one of the greatest spinners India have produced in their lifetime.

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The Punjab lad has played 103 Tests in his career, bagging 417 wickets at an average of 32.46. Besides that, he has been a very good limited overs bowler too. In 236 ODIs, Bhajji has scalped 269 wickets and in 28 T20Is Harbhajan has bagged 25 wickets. The star spinner has also appeared in 125 matches for the Mumbai Indians in IPL bagging 119 wickets in the process.