Name Hindi: हरविंदर सिंह / Gender Man
About Harvinder Singh
The subject of our interest today is none another than the well-reputed Harvinder Singh, an extraordinary athlete who has delivered stunning performances in the cricket arena. Although not a new name to sports enthusiasts, his particular story and journey are worth delving into for those interested in learning about achievers who have done both their nation and sport proud.
Earnest Beginnings
Born on August 1, 1975, Singh was blessed with enormous talent which he discovered early on. He hailed from Amritsar in Punjab, India – a region that is known for producing many fine athletes. Harvinder caught the cricket fever at a young age and honed his skills over time. His hard work started paying off when he was selected to play domestic cricket for Punjab at just 19 years old, marking the inception of what would turn out to be a promising sporting career.
Unfolding Success
- In the season of 1997-98, Singh debuted in Test Cricket against Australia in Adelaide. Though this match did not end favorably for India, Harvinder’s performance gathered attention due to his accuracy as a right-hand medium fast bowler.
- He played eight One Day Internationals (ODIs) during April-July 1998 where he grabbed ten wickets.
- In October 1998, he made remarkable strides by taking five wickets in one match against Pakistan in Sahara Cup held at Toronto Press Club Ground.
Stint With Teams
Singh got chances to represent various teams throughout his career like Railways and Bengal apart from his home team – Punjab of course! The cricketer showed splendid performance while playing with these teams in different leagues and tournaments, earning the respect of many.
Injuries and Subsequent Retirement
Sadly, like many athletes, Harvinder Singh’s career was also marked by injuries which swayed his fortune. After a knee surgery in 2000, he struggled to bounce back. Failing to deliver as per expectations post-injury, reduced his chances of selection for international matches.
Despite trying hard to get fit again, Singh couldn’t enjoy the glory that once used to be his routine. He announced retirement from all forms of cricket after the Ranji Trophy final in January 2008.
Legacy
Harvinder Singh, though didn’t have a long international cricket journey, is remembered for his contribution to Indian Cricket. His wicket-taking capabilities made him stand out among contemporaries. Even today when we talk about best medium pacers India ever had; Singh’s name definitely pops up!
