Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh recently opened up about consulting cricket stalwart and former teammate Sachin Tendulkar before joining politics. Singh became a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament nominated by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Like Bhajji, Tendulkar also served as a Rajya Sabha MP in 2012.
Harbhajan Singh retired from all forms of cricket in December 2021 and soon decided to take the political route. He took oath as an MP in July 2022 during the first day of the Monsoon session of Parliament. While talking to Indian Express, Singh opened up about talking to Sachin Tendulkar as they share a close relationship and hence consulting with Tendulkar was second nature for him.
Singh said, “I have the most respect for Paaji (Tendulkar). He has made me feel so comfortable. We became very close because there was that comfort and I think he enjoyed my company as well. Then I started speaking in Punjabi to him and we both used to enjoy talking to each other. If I ever need advice, I always go to him.”
Further in the interview, Harbhajan Singh also spoke on the reasons behind his decision to join politics as he wanted to serve his country. He said, “Even before joining the Rajya Sabha, I talked to him. He told me that I was getting an opportunity to serve my country and that I should only commit if I could give the job time. I thought that was good advice. Now, this is my new innings – I don’t know how long it will go, just that I do it well.”
Harbhajan Singh has been one of the best bowlers in cricketing history as he amassed a tally of 707 international wickets, being the second-highest for India, behind Anil Kumble's 953. He represented India in 103 Tests, 236 ODIs and 28 T20Is in an international career that lasted from 1998 to 2016. The off-spinner was also part of the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 World Cup-winning teams.
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