Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh recently opened up about the most important lesson he learned throughout his cricket journey, crediting none other than Sachin Tendulkar for the wisdom that still resonates with him today, even after hanging up his boots. In a chat on JioStar, Harbhajan shared that Tendulkar emphasized the importance of staying focused on the game and steering clear of the distractions that often come with fame and success. Harbhajan's insights provide a fascinating look into the mindset that propelled him to become one of India's most accomplished bowlers. 

Harbhajan recalled that Sachin Tendulkar advised him to keep his attention fixed only on cricket, no matter what happened around him. According to Harbhajan, "Sachin paaji told me, “There will be many distractions, many things will come your way, but you have to keep your blinders on, so that you can't look left or right, and only look straight ahead. If you stay on this path, no one in the world can stop you.” 

“Keep your focus on the game” - Harbhajan Singh Reveals Why Sachin Tendulkar's words Still Inspire Him 

Harbhajan feels that the advice he got from Tendulkar is just as important for today's players, as he said, "So, I give the same advice to youngsters: keep your focus on the game. You are who you are because of the game. Don't think that you are bigger than the game. If your attitude isn't right, as much as this game provides, it also knows how to take it back just as quickly." 

He pointed out that while cricket rewards hard work and discipline, it can just as easily take everything away if a player's attitude shifts. For Harbhajan, staying humble is just as crucial as excelling on the field.

His reflections also highlight the journey that made him one of India's top off-spinners. Harbhajan considers the 2001 home Test series against Australia to be the defining moment of his career. India bounced back from an initial loss to clinch the three-match series 2-1 against an Australian team that had just come off 15 straight Test wins. He ended the series with an impressive 32 wickets, including a memorable hat-trick during the iconic Eden Gardens Test, and he noted that this performance was a turning point in his career.

He also ranks India's 2011 ODI World Cup victory alongside the 2001 series as one of the greatest highlights of his playing days. Harbhajan mentioned that winning the first-ever ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 was another unforgettable moment, especially due to the warm welcome the team received upon returning home. Throughout his international career, Harbhajan played for India in 103 Tests, 236 ODIs, and 28 T20Is, taking 417, 269, and 25 wickets respectively, before making his last appearance for the national team in a T20I against the UAE in 2016.