Harbhajan Singh reveals who coined his nickname Bhajji, says cricketers are worshipped and cursed

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Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has revealed the origin of his nickname 'Bhajji' during an episode of 'Bluntly Streaming by Sumedha'. On being quizzed by host Sumedha Malhotra about the person who first called him Bhajji, Harbhajan Singh recalled that it was former wicketkeeper-batter Nayan Mongia who first called him by this nickname.

He said that his other nickname 'Terminator' stuck with him after Australian media used it during Australia's 2001 tour of India. During the series, the former off-spinner picked 32 wickets in just three matches. His famous hat-trick at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata came during the same series.

"Probably Nayan Mongia. Once it caught on, everyone called me Bhajji. Google it, and you get either vegetables or my photos," Harbhajan said, talking about his nicknames. "The Australian media coined it, linking my turban with the 'Terminator'," he added.

'You are worshipped and you are cursed, cricket a religion in this country'

Further, Harbhajan Singh also explained that cricket is a religion in India, and therefore cricketers are worshipped as well as cursed. He added that every kid in the country wants to be a cricketer.

"Cricket is a religion in this country. You're worshipped and cursed. I can't say what's different, but it's very popular. Every child wants to be a cricketer, every family dreams of it. Even if the child doesn't want to be a cricketer, they'll watch cricket. The game's love is long-standing," Harbhajan Singh told.

He also talked about the love of fans for the players, and credited all his existence and recognition to the sport of cricket. He said people don't pray for each other in the modern day world, but definitely pray and wish good for the Indian cricket team when they play.

"People’s love for the game is immense. My existence is due to cricket. Without cricket, I am nothing. Cricket has given us love and recognition. Who prays for others nowadays? But when India plays, people pray. Their prayers make us feel responsible to perform and win for them."