Harvinder Singh

Harvinder Singh was a promising medium pacer in Indian cricket during the mid-90s. Known for his ability to extract movement off the pitch and deliver surprise pace, he made significant strides in domestic cricket, representing Punjab and Railways. His early performances, particularly for India Under-19 and in the domestic circuit, caught the selectors' eyes, leading to his inclusion in the India A team for the SAARC tour tournament in Bangladesh in February 1997.

In the SAARC tournament, Harvinder emerged as one of the standout performers, claiming impressive figures. These performances catapulted him into the national spotlight, earning him a place in the Indian side for the Sahara Cup in Toronto later that year. Harvinder made an immediate impact in his ODI debut against Pakistan, taking three crucial wickets. 

Harvinder's Test debut came against Australia in early 1998. He made a promising start, dismissing Mark Taylor in his first spell. His consistent performances earned him a place in the Coca-Cola Cup tournament in Sharjah that followed.

His final Test appearance came against Sri Lanka in Kandy, where he delivered a solid but unspectacular performance. In the ODI format, he continued to take wickets but his high economy rate, often exceeding five runs per over, counted against him. Harvinder's last ODI appearance came in 2001.

After losing his place in the national team, Harvinder continued to play domestic cricket for Railways, a team he had joined after his initial stint with Punjab. His career was hampered by a back injury, but he continued to serve Railways in First-Class cricket until his retirement in 2008 at the relatively young age of 31. Post-retirement, Harvinder transitioned into coaching, taking up the role of coach for the Railways cricket team.

In 2020, Harvinder Singh was appointed as an Indian national selector, contributing his expertise and experience to the selection process for the national team.