Bangalore, Sept 06: In March 2001, on a dramatic afternoon in Kolkata, Harbhajan Singh became the first Indian to take a hat-trick in Test cricket. Inasmuchas the feat in itself was memorable, what added more lustre to it was the fact that, having been propelled by V V S Laxman’s 281 and Rahul Dravid’s 180, Harbhajan’s hat-trick capped off a remarkable fightback by the Indians that saw them conjure victory against the mighty Australians after having been forced to follow on. As such, the red cherry ought to be the off-spinner’s prized possession. Instead, in a magnificent gesture, the 22-year-old from Ludhiana, has opted to put that ball up for auction at a function to be held in a city hotel next Friday.

At a press conference this afternoon to announce the September 12 auction, Harbhajan told a stunned gathering — which included his India team-mates Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid — that the hat-trick ball would be up for grab.
“Obviously, to take a hat-trick in Test cricket is a big accomplishment, but I have always believed that it was the prayers of the people that helped me complete the hat-trick.


As such, I feel that if this ball can in some way help the people, the needy and the underprivileged, and bring some joy into such people’s life, then that is more important and useful than it being a mere decorative item at my home,” the youngster reasoned.
“We are all in a position where we can do something for the people who are less fortunate than some of us,” Harbhajan continued.

“It is, therefore, our responsibility to make sure that we do whatever is possible from our side to try and make life a little better for them.” Bureau Report