There are no perfect cricketers, but if there is someone closest to perfection, the only name that Harbhajan Singh can ever think of is Sachin Tendulkar. One of India’s greatest spinners, Harbhajan has been a close friend of the maestro for more than 20 years and his “memory bank” is full of Tendulkar stories, both on and off the field.

During an interaction, Harbhajan told PTI –

“Paaji (as Tendulkar is referred to by junior teammates) is perhaps someone who is closest to being a perfect cricketer. Obviously, as a person he is a role model and an example of how to lead your life with dignity, humility, despite enjoying god-like status and insane following in our country.” When asked to share his memories, Harbhajan laughed.

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‘Paaji is perhaps someone who is closest to being a perfect cricketer’, Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan said – “There are way too many. He has a guiding light in my life. Some are too personal and emotional, which I will keep for my story. But I can share a few with you guys.”

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He added – “To understand the genius of Sachin Tendulkar, one little story will be enough. During the entire 2003 World Cup in South Africa, Paaji didn’t bat in the nets for even one single day.”

Harbhajan recollected –

“The Indian bowling unit performed well but neither Javagal Srinath, Ashish Nehra, Zaheer Khan nor Anil Kumble or myself bowled even once to him at nets during the tournament.”