Harbhajan Singh Biography — Legendary Indian Off-Spinner Profile 2026

Harbhajan Singh is a celebrated Indian off-spinner known for his match-winning performances and iconic career milestones. He remains active in cricket post-retirement through commentary and events.

Harbhajan Singh stands as one of India’s most revered spin bowlers. Born in Jalandhar, Punjab, he made his international debut in 1998 and became a formidable force in world cricket. His career-defining moment arrived during the 2001 Test series against Australia, where he stunned the world with an unexpected hat-trick. Over his career, he played more than 100 Test matches, claiming over 400 wickets in the format. A true match-winner, he retired from all forms of cricket by 2021 but continues to engage with the game through commentary and participation in events like the World Championship of Legends (WCL). Post-retirement, he has carved a niche as a cricket analyst, entrepreneur, and a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. Harbhajan Singh arrived at a critical time for Indian cricket, filling a vital gap with his spin bowling. After completing his education in Jalandhar, his passion for cricket drove him from a young age. Making his India debut at just 18 years old was a remarkable achievement. His distinctive bowling style earned him numerous records, including becoming the first Indian bowler to secure a Test match hat-trick. His performances earned him a spot in the World Cup squad. Since retiring, he has appeared on multiple reality shows and serves as a Rajya Sabha MP. Coming from a Sikh family in Punjab, Harbhajan Singh’s caste remains undisclosed. If he shares this information in the future, updates will be provided. Despite his long career under the spotlight, he rarely discussed personal beliefs publicly. His father, Sardar Sardev Singh Plaha, worked as a businessman and actively encouraged his cricketing ambitions. Sadly, Sardev passed away in 2000, just two years after Harbhajan made his India debut, in an untimely and sudden manner. Harbhajan Singh’s mother, Avtar Kaur, is a homemaker who stood by him through every high and low, constantly motivating him to stay focused on his cricketing journey. Harbhajan has not shared any details about his brother, so no verified information is available. If he reveals any facts in the future, this section will be updated accordingly. Publicly available information suggests Harbhajan is the sole brother among five sisters, with only one sister’s name known—Sandeep Kaur. Should additional details emerge, they will be included here. For the majority of his international career, Harbhajan wore the jersey number 3, which became synonymous with his identity. In the IPL, he represented his franchise while donning the number 27 shirt. Harbhajan Singh’s connection with Bollywood has been a topic of discussion due to his rumored relationship with Geeta Basra, a former British actress. After several years of dating, they tied the knot in 2015 with a lavish ceremony. The couple now has two children—a daughter and a son. Harbhajan’s international journey began in 1998, and he maintained strong performances until 2016. A dip in form led to his exclusion from the Indian team, prompting his retirement from international cricket in 2021. During his peak, he was regarded as one of the most lethal off-spinners in global cricket. Even after retirement, he stays connected to the sport through commentary, league matches, and cricket-related media platforms. Harbhajan Singh has played a pivotal role in India’s victories across formats. His standout performances, particularly during the 2001 Australia series, cemented his legacy. He has been honored with multiple awards from the Government of India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India, and the International Cricket Council, including civilian honors and cricketing accolades. Harbhajan Singh is a former Indian cricketer celebrated as one of the finest off-spinners worldwide, famed for his aggressive bowling and match-turning spells for the national team. What is Harbhajan Singh’s age and date of birth? He was born on 3 July 1980, making him 45 years old as of 2025. How tall is Harbhajan Singh? His height is approximately 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 meters). Who is Harbhajan Singh married to? He is married to Geeta Basra, a former Bollywood actress, after their wedding in 2015. How many international wickets has Harbhajan Singh taken? In international cricket, he has taken 417 wickets in Tests, 269 in ODIs, and 25 in T20Is. What is Harbhajan Singh’s net worth and earnings? As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around $10 million (₹85 crore), generated through cricket, endorsements, commentary, and investments. Which jersey number did Harbhajan Singh wear in international cricket? Throughout most of his international career, Harbhajan wore jersey number 3. What are Harbhajan Singh’s major career achievements? He holds the distinction of being the first Indian to achieve a Test hat-trick, is a two-time World Cup winner (2007 T20 and 2011 ODI), and received the Padma Shri in 2009. All images used are for editorial purposes only. License solely with Getty/Source.