Harbhajan Singh, a legendary Indian cricket spinner, is renowned for his match-winning performances, including a groundbreaking Test hat-trick in 2001 and over 400 wickets in Tests. Post-retirement, he transitioned into commentary, business ventures, and political roles.
Harbhajan Singh stands as one of India’s most celebrated spin bowlers. Born in Jalandhar, Punjab, he began his international journey in 1998 and dominated opposition batters during his peak years. His career-defining moment arrived against Australia in 2001, when he stunned the cricketing world by claiming a rare Test hat-trick. Over his illustrious tenure, he represented India in over 100 Test matches, scalping more than 400 wickets in the format. Known for clutch performances, he retired from all cricket formats by 2021 and is now set to compete in the World Championship of Legends (WCL). After hanging up his boots, Harbhajan has carved out a dynamic post-retirement career as a cricket commentator, entrepreneur, and Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. Harbhajan Singh filled a critical void for India when the team urgently needed a reliable spinner. Raised in Jalandhar, his passion for cricket burned brightly from childhood. Making his India debut at just 18 years old was a remarkable achievement. His distinctive bowling arsenal allowed him to accumulate numerous records, including becoming the first Indian bowler to achieve a Test match hat-trick. His consistent displays ensured his inclusion in multiple ICC World Cup squads. Following retirement, he has remained a familiar face on reality television programs while also serving as a Rajya Sabha MP. Coming from a Sikh family, which is common in Punjab, Harbhajan’s exact caste remains undisclosed. No public details about his religious views have surfaced despite his prolonged media presence. His father, Sardar Sardev Singh Plaha, worked as a businessman and actively encouraged Harbhajan’s cricketing ambitions before his untimely death in 2000. This loss occurred just two years after Harbhajan had debuted for India, marking a challenging personal period during his early career. Harbhajan’s mother, Avtar Kaur, managed household responsibilities while providing unwavering emotional support to her son through his highs and lows, urging him to maintain focus on cricket. He has not shared any verified information regarding his brother, so no confirmed details are currently available. If he ever reveals such details, updates will be provided. Public records indicate that Harbhajan is the sole brother among five sisters. Only one sister’s name is publicly known—Sandeep Kaur. Any future disclosures will be included here. Throughout most of his international career, Harbhajan sported jersey number 3, which became synonymous with his identity. In the IPL, he was associated with jersey number 27 while playing for his franchise team. Harbhajan Singh also ventured into Bollywood through rumored romantic connections with Geeta Basra, a former British actress. After several years of dating, they formalized their relationship with a grand wedding in 2015. The couple now shares a family of two children, a daughter and a son. His international debut occurred in 1998, and he maintained high standards of performance until 2016. A dip in form later led to his exclusion from the national squad, prompting his retirement from international cricket in 2021. During his prime, he was regarded as one of the world’s most formidable off-spinners, and even after retiring, he stays engaged with cricket through commentary, league appearances, and media appearances. Harbhajan Singh has been instrumental in securing victories for India across formats. His standout performances include dominating the 2001 Australia series. His contributions earned him multiple accolades from the Government of India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India, and the ICC—ranging from civilian honors to cricket-specific awards. Harbhajan Singh is a former Indian cricketer widely celebrated as one of the greatest off-spin bowlers globally, recognized for his fiery bowling spells and knack for turning matches in India’s favor. What is Harbhajan Singh’s age and birthday? He was born on 3 July 1980, and as of 2025, he is 45 years old. Harbhajan Singh stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall, equivalent to 1.80 meters. He is married to Geeta Basra, a Bollywood actress, following their wedding in 2015. How many wickets has Harbhajan Singh taken in international cricket? He has claimed 417 wickets in Tests, 269 in ODIs, and 25 in T20 Internationals. What is Harbhajan Singh’s net worth and salary? As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around $10 million (₹85 crore), derived from cricket earnings, brand endorsements, commentary fees, and investments. What is Harbhajan Singh’s jersey number? He primarily wore jersey number 3 for India throughout his career. What are Harbhajan Singh’s career achievements? He is the first Indian to take a Test hat-trick, a two-time World Cup winner (2007 T20 and 2011 ODI), and was conferred with the Padma Shri award in 2009. All images included serve editorial purposes only and are licensed exclusively through Getty/Source.