VVS Laxman reveals the story behind Harbhajan Singh’s jersey number

The jersey number can sometimes become synonymous with a player in the world of sport. Think of jersey No.10, and the name that comes to mind would be Sachin Tendulkar. Think of jersey No.7, and the name that would come to your mind is MS Dhoni. And, when somebody mentions jersey No.18, Indian skipper Virat Kohli would immediately flash in your mind.

Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman has revealed a funny story about Harbhajan Singh and his jersey number. Laxman stated that during his first tour to Australia in 1999, the last Test was in progress, and the limited-overs matches were scheduled to start post that.

The manager of the Indian side was asking the players as to what number they would like to have behind their jerseys. And, when he came to Harbhajan, the off-spinner stated that the Air India flight number should be his jersey number.

“I still remember the first tour to Australia in 1999. The last Test was in progress in Sydney and after that, the ODIs were supposed to start. Our manager, Bhargav Sir from Madhya Pradesh, was asking everyone which number they want behind their T-shirt. And when he came to Bhajji and asked what number he wanted, Bhajji replied to write the Air India flight number,” revealed Laxman in a chat on Star Sports.

Harbhajan Singh reveals why he chose the jersey number
Harbhajan Singh has also offered his views on the matter. The 40-year-old revealed that he knew that he was going back home. The ‘Turbanator’ concluded by stating that he asked the flight number to be written on his T-shirt as he could wear it on the journey back home.

“My thank you was done by then and I knew I am going back. So, I said that A1777 or something like that will be the number of the Air India flight, so let me get that written on the T-shirt and I can wear that T-shirt during the journey home,” concluded Harbhajan.

Both VVS Laxman and Harbhajan Singh are legends of Indian cricket. While Laxman featured in 134 Test matches and scored 8781 runs in the whites, Harbhajan is currently the third-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests and has scalped 417 wickets in the longest format of the game.