Harbhajan Singh's Personal Account of the Historic 2001 Eden Gardens Test
In a recent conversation with Matthew Hayden in Goa, former Indian cricket star Harbhajan Singh revisited one of the most iconic moments in cricket history. Harbhajan specifically asked Hayden about a crucial shot during the first innings of the legendary 2001 Eden Gardens Test match. Hayden, batting on 97 and dominating the Indian bowlers, attempted a big shot to reach his century but was caught in the deep by Hemang Badani. This dismissal provided India with their first significant opportunity in what would become a historic Test match.
The Build-Up to Eden Gardens
Harbhajan Singh's journey to that fateful Test began with Anil Kumble's injury, which opened the door for his selection in the Mumbai Test. Despite India's heavy loss at Wankhede Stadium, Harbhajan's four-wicket haul, including three quick wickets, secured his place for the Kolkata encounter. He arrived at Eden Gardens with a survival mindset, focused but not overly optimistic, on a pitch that favored batsmen from the start.
The Australian innings began strongly, continuing their momentum from Mumbai until Hayden's dismissal. Harbhajan then claimed Mark Waugh, caught attempting a cut shot. However, the post-tea session on Day 1 would forever alter Harbhajan's career and Indian cricket history.
The Life-Changing Hat-Trick
Ricky Ponting, whom Harbhajan had dismissed in Mumbai, entered the crease with apparent low confidence. Harbhajan attacked the stumps, trapping Ponting leg-before with a skidding delivery. Next, Adam Gilchrist faced a similar fate, leg-before to another skidding ball, denying him flight to counter his sweeping prowess.
The magical moment arrived with Shane Warne at the crease. Harbhajan aimed for a full delivery to induce a leg-before, but it proved slightly too full. Warne played a powerful flick, only for Sadagopan Ramesh to execute an extraordinary catch at forward short-leg, plucking the ball from thin air with his right hand. Harbhajan emphasizes that this hat-trick belongs as much to Ramesh as to himself.
Australia collapsed from 252-4 to 252-6, injecting hope into the Indian camp. However, Steve Waugh's resilient century, his only one in India, partnered with Jason Gillespie to push Australia to 445. When India batted, the pitch seemed transformed, with wickets falling rapidly and series defeat looming.
The Turning Point: Laxman and Dravid's Partnership
Coach John Wright's decision to promote VVS Laxman, who had scored 59 at No. 6 in the first innings, proved masterful. The dressing-room superstition saw players refusing to change seats as Laxman and Rahul Dravid forged their legendary partnership on Day 4. By day's end, jokes circulated about will-power aiding the champions.
Day 5 brought declaration dilemmas, but India took the field before lunch knowing they had a chance. Harbhajan dismissed Steve Waugh again, caught by Hemang Badani at leg-slip, a dismissal he cherishes. Sachin Tendulkar contributed three wickets with brilliant bowling, yet Gillespie remained stubborn.
Sourav Ganguly deployed aggressive field placements, leading to Gillespie's and Glenn McGrath's eventual dismissals. The latter's leg-before decision, without DRS or Hawk-eye, relied on umpire SK Bansal's judgment, which Harbhajan supported as correct.
A Legacy Forged in Kolkata
Harbhajan Singh's 13 wickets in that Test match transformed his life and career. He famously states, "I was born in Punjab, but made in Kolkata," underscoring how Eden Gardens 2001 defined his legacy. This match remains a cornerstone of Indian cricket history, celebrated for its dramatic turns and enduring impact.
