Happy Birthday Harbhajan Singh: A look at the 4 great records the off-spinner holds in Tests

Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh happens to be one of the greatest for Team India. Having made an impact across formats, he played a pivotal role in India's success during twin ICC tournaments. Meanwhile, we look at some of his Test records on his 41st birthday.

<p>When it comes to one of the greatest off-spinners for Team India, Harbhajan Singh is one of the names that strike one's mind. Having made a tremendous impact across formats, he helped India win the 2007 ICC World T20 and the 2011 ICC World Cup.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, he is celebrating his 41st birthday on Saturday. In the same light, we look at some of the outstanding records he holds in Test cricket.</p>

When it comes to one of the greatest off-spinners for Team India, Harbhajan Singh is one of the names that strike one's mind. Having made a tremendous impact across formats, he helped India win the 2007 ICC World T20 and the 2011 ICC World Cup.

Meanwhile, he is celebrating his 41st birthday on Saturday. In the same light, we look at some of the outstanding records he holds in Test cricket.

<p><strong>Most wickets by a spinner in a three-Test series</strong><br />In case one remembers, the 2000-01 three-Test series at home against Australia was Harbhajan's best to date, as he managed to claim 32 wickets in the entire series. Consequently, he holds the record for claiming the most wickets as a spinner in a series consisting of three Tests, besides being the fourth as a bowler in the same.</p>

Most wickets by a spinner in a three-Test series
In case one remembers, the 2000-01 three-Test series at home against Australia was Harbhajan's best to date, as he managed to claim 32 wickets in the entire series. Consequently, he holds the record for claiming the most wickets as a spinner in a series consisting of three Tests, besides being the fourth as a bowler in the same.

<p><strong>First Indian to claim a Test hat-trick</strong><br />In one of the significant achievements, during the same series as above, in the second Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, he claimed a hat-trick, getting rid of Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist and Shane Warne. Incidentally, he became the first Indian to do the same in Tests, with Irfan Pathan being only the other Indian.</p>

First Indian to claim a Test hat-trick
In one of the significant achievements, during the same series as above, in the second Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, he claimed a hat-trick, getting rid of Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist and Shane Warne. Incidentally, he became the first Indian to do the same in Tests, with Irfan Pathan being only the other Indian.

<p><strong>Youngest Indian to 400 Test scalps</strong><br />Harbhajan has claimed a total of 417 Teest wickets to date. Meanwhile, he holds the record for being the youngest to do the same, at the age of 31 years and four days. Overall, he is only the second after Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan (29 years and 273 days).</p>

Youngest Indian to 400 Test scalps
Harbhajan has claimed a total of 417 Teest wickets to date. Meanwhile, he holds the record for being the youngest to do the same, at the age of 31 years and four days. Overall, he is only the second after Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan (29 years and 273 days).

<p><strong>Most successful Indian Test off-spinner</strong><br />Harbhajan happens to be the third-most wicket-taker in Tests for India after Anil Kumble (619) and Kapil Dev (434). Meanwhile, when it comes to off-spinners for India, Bhajji tops the chart.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitise, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona</strong></p>

Most successful Indian Test off-spinner
Harbhajan happens to be the third-most wicket-taker in Tests for India after Anil Kumble (619) and Kapil Dev (434). Meanwhile, when it comes to off-spinners for India, Bhajji tops the chart.

NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitise, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona