Geeta Basra has written a heart-wrenching note for her husband Harbhajan Singh after the latter announced retirement from cricket on Friday.
Geeta, a former Bollywood actor, wrote on Instagram, “I know how long you waited for this moment.. mentally you had retired a long time ago but officially you were waiting for the right moment.”
She added, “Today I want to say how proud we are of you and what you have achieved ! There is so much more that awaits you on this beautiful road ahead. I will always remember the fun and the excitement along with all the stress and anxiety I had watching you play, the superstitions during every game, the endless prayers, learning the game through you, and celebrating each momentous victory and record you made! Congratulations on an amazing career Bhaj..not many can boast of playing for 23 years!!!”
Geeta said that she was ‘so fortunate to have been a part of’ his journey ‘through all the ups and downs n thankful that Hinaya got to see her Papa play (we were your loudest fans in the stadium).’
“I know the end was not the way you wanted or planned it but as they say destiny is not in our hands.. you played with grit, passion, fire and with your head held high! Wishing you more success and prosperity in life for the ‘doosra’ chapter ahead.. the best is yet to come my love,” she concluded.
Taking to social media on Friday, Harbhajan had written, “All good things come to an end and today as I bid adieu to the game that has given me everything in life, I would like to thank everyone who made this 23-year-long journey beautiful and memorable.
My heartfelt thank you. Grateful.”
During his 23-year stint in international cricket, Harbhajan won two World Cups, first the inaugural ICC World T20 in 2007 and then the ODI World Cup in 2011. He also took 417 wickets in 103 Tests, 269 wickets in 236 ODIs and 25 scalps in 28 T20Is.
One of his biggest highlights was taking a hat-trick against Australia in Kolkata in 2001 and helping India pull off a remarkable win despite having been forced to follow on in the first innings.
