Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh, known as one of the most aggressive and skilled off-spinners in world cricket, celebrated his 45th birthday on July 3, 2025. Beyond his fiery spells and match-winning performances, Harbhajan was also a master prankster, as revealed in many interviews over the years. On the occasion of his birthday, let’s revisit one of his funniest pranks that unexpectedly backfired during a tour of Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Prank That Went Wrong

In a candid conversation on the web show ‘Bluntly Streaming’, Harbhajan Singh shared a memory that left both him and viewers in splits. During an India tour to Sri Lanka, Harbhajan and his partner-in-crime Yuvraj Singh decided to play a scary prank on their teammates.

They bought Halloween-style masks in Colombo and went door to door in their hotel corridor trying to spook fellow Indian cricketers.

“We were in Colombo once and we had bought masks to scare people, so me and Yuvi, after wearing the masks, were knocking on people’s doors in hopes of scaring them,” Harbhajan said, smiling.

With a list of room numbers in hand, the duo thought they had the perfect plan. But instead of knocking on a teammate’s door, they mistakenly knocked on the room of a complete stranger.

“We knocked, and an unknown person opened the door. The moment we saw him, and he saw us in those masks, we all screamed! It was genuinely scary — for everyone. We just ran and hid in our rooms,” Harbhajan chuckled.

What was intended to be a prank on friends, turned into an accidental jump scare for an unsuspecting hotel guest, who must have been terrified by the masked Indian stars.

Cricketing Journey: Harbhajan Singh’s Legacy

While the prank gave fans a moment to laugh, it’s impossible to forget Harbhajan Singh’s stellar contribution to Indian cricket. He was the first Indian bowler to take a Test hat-trick, and played a pivotal role in multiple victories across formats.

Here’s a snapshot of his career:

• Matches Played: 367 (across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is)

• Wickets Taken: 711

• Runs Scored: 3,569

• India Debut: March 1998

• Last Match for India: March 2016

Harbhajan was instrumental in India’s historic Test series win against Australia in 2001, where he took 32 wickets, including the famous hat-trick at Eden Gardens. He later became a core member of the 2007 T20 World Cup-winning team and the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning squad.

His ability to deliver under pressure, his attacking mindset, and his deep passion for representing India made him one of the most feared off-spinners of his generation.

On and Off the Field: Bhajji’s Personality Shines

Harbhajan Singh’s image on the field was that of a fiery competitor, but off it, he was known for his humour, camaraderie, and deep friendships with fellow cricketers, particularly Yuvraj Singh. Stories like the Sri Lanka prank or his dance routines on victory nights are well-known in cricketing circles.

His playful nature made him a favourite in the dressing room and among fans alike. Even today, he continues to entertain fans through TV commentary, social media engagements, and appearances on talk shows.

Celebrating Bhajji’s 45th Birthday

As Harbhajan Singh turns 45, cricket fans from all corners of India and beyond continue to send their wishes to the Punjab-born spinner, fondly known as ‘Turbanator’. He has inspired a generation of cricketers with his work ethic, confidence, and resilience.

From terrifying batsmen with his off-spin to accidentally terrifying strangers with a mask, Harbhajan’s journey has been filled with passion, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Final Thoughts

Happy Birthday, Harbhajan Singh! You gave India some of its most cherished cricketing moments, and equally memorable off-field stories. Whether it’s your wickets, your sense of humour, or your fearless personality, you’ve left a mark on Indian cricket like few others.

Here’s wishing the legendary spinner continued success, happiness, and more prank stories in the years to come!

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