Harbhajan Singh over the years: The chequered career in pictures

Rise and fall in Tests

Against Australia at Mumbai, he was one of the heroes, steering India to an unlikely win with 5-29 on a dust bowl as the hosts bundled the visiting team out for 93 in the final innings. He continued the top form with a seven-for against South Africa towards the end of the year, sending the Proteas for a spin despite Jacques Kallis’ gritty knock.

Harbhajan picked up a fifer in India’s sensational win over Australia in 2004

The Kumble-Bhajji partnership grew from strength to strength, raking in wickets aplenty as the years progress. Against Sri Lanka in Ahmedabad (2005), the duo took 17 wickets amongst themselves, helping Harbhajan put behind the embarrassment of being called for a suspect action earlier that year.

His first tour to Pakistan saw him recorded his worst ever figures of 0-176, kickstarting a period of Test decline that saw him run into a number of controversial issues. After another sorry performance in the second Test, Harbhajan was dropped for the last one.

A disappointed Harbhajan looks on as Younis Khan celebrates his fifty in Faisalabad

He also had a poor series against England the same year at home, picking up just eight wickets in the entire series, although he continued to be solid in ODIs, picking a fifer in the series that succeeded the Tests. The ODI form tailed off as well, as he picked up only two wickets in the 2006 Champions Trophy and a solitary wicket in three games against South Africa. In the lead up to the 2007 World Cup, the signs were not looking good. He played one Test against West Indies on the 2006 tour, and would not play the longest format for another one and a half years.