Harbhajan's nomination for Khel Ratna award has been rejected by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) on grounds that his documents reached late.
Dubbed challenging at the start of the tour, Indian cricketers have taken a liking to the fast and bouncy pitches of South Africa with star spinner Harbhajan Singh wondering why such tracks are not prepared for them back home.
The Indian off-spinner will play alongside some of the game's all-time greats in a 20 overs-a-side match against Somerset.
Harbhajan Singh, who had some memorable performances against Australia, started the game of one-upmanship on Thursday by declaring that India will thrash Michael Clarke's men 4-0 in the upcoming Test series, starting February 22.
Out-of-favour India off-spinner and Punjab skipper Harbhajan Singh on Saturday said he is determined to perform in the upcoming Ranji Trophy quarterfinal clash against Jharkhand and stage a comeback to the national side for the One-day series against England.
Left-arm spinner Murali Kartik, called in as a last-minute addition to the squad, has been included with Anil Kumble in the 12 for the match.
Harbhajan Singh, making a comeback to the Indian team after two years, has said he always had the self-belief to make a comeback.
The world body is unlikely to even discuss a possible boycott of Pakistan when its Chief Executives Committee (CEC) meets in Dubai on Wednesday.
Ashwin went past Harbhajan, who took 265 wickets in India at an average of 28.76, after dismissing Ben Stokes with a perfect off-spinner on the second day of the second Test against England in Chennai.
Elated at being recommended for the Arjuna award, star cricketer Virat Kohli said it counts among the most happy moments of his life.
Harbhajan Singh has termed the Irani Cup match as the "biggest" he could have got in recent times as the off-spinner intends to stage a comeback to the Indian cricket team for the upcoming four-match Test series against Australia.
'Ashwin doesn't really need to be as attacking as Bhajji. His role within this side is well-defined by a slightly better fast bowling attack (as support cast) than what my generation was facing' 'Kohli would have done fine against Glenn McGrath'
The beleaguered off-spinner is believed to have written to the BCCI, pleading for one final chance before taking disciplinary action against me over Sreesanth slapping incident.
Former England batter Kevin Pietersen on Monday backed the under-fire Indian cricket team, saying the players are not robots and need fans' support all the time.
The Indian bowlers had a torrid time against South African batting line-up led by AB de Villiers but senior off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has said he "enjoyed the challenge" as he managed to hold his own for the better part of the limited overs series.
India might have been reeling at 136 for nine on the first day of the opening Test but spinner Harbhajan Singh said the match is still not over and they had enough ammunition to strike back.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni and N Srinivasan were seen having an interaction at the Chepauk during the second day of Chennai Super Kings' training session.
Harbhajan Singh scored a dogged 54 and Zaheer Khan 35, as India rallied form 210-6 at tea to 313-8 by close on Day 3 of the first Test against Australia.
As the beleaguered Indian cricket team start picking up pieces after a forgettable first Test, the spotlight is firmly fixed on team's senior-most pro Harbhajan Singh whose unimpressive show in the 63-run defeat has raised question marks about his future.
Indian cricket has celebrated the emergence of a potent fast bowling unit but it is high time that the establishment focuses on producing quality Test spinners, especially off-break bowlers, stated former players. Ravichandran Ashwin (365 wickets in 71 Tests) has been an impact bowler in home conditions but the current team management hasn't exactly put complete faith in Tamil Nadu tweaker's abilities in overseas conditions.
The Mahmudullah-led Bangladesh defeated India in the series opener last week
Ashwin's age is certainly a factor that is being kept in consideration.
Top Indian players like skipper Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah need to be careful not to get injured or pick up niggles during the Indian Premier League
Harbhajan Singh is itching to get back on the field and perform for India. It's been a year since the feisty off-spinner was dropped from the national squad following inconsistent performances, but a good showing in the Indian Premier League, followed by a stint with Essex in English county cricket, helped him earn a recall.
Chairman of selectors Sandeep Patil's explanation for Harbhajan Singh's inclusion in the squad for the one-off Test in Bangladesh next month. Harish Kotian reports
After claiming five for 59, as India routed South Africa by an innings and 57 runs, Harbhajan Singh slammed those doubted his credentials coming into the match, saying 'they should know what to play on national television and what not to play'.
Indian limited-overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was on Monday retained in Group A of the men's player contracts for 2015-16 by the BCCI.
Harbhajan Singh is glad to be back in action after being laid low by health issues.
Bhajji, Afridi among 8 ambassadors for ICC Champions Trophy
Nadeem clinched the gold medal with a stunning Olympic record throw of 92.97m while defending champion Chopra took the silver
An expat pilot with Jet Airways hurled "racist" comments at and assaulted a woman and also abused a physically challenged person on a flight, cricketer Harbhajan Singh claimed.
India beat New Zealand by 10 wickets on Day 4 of the first Test to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on Saturday. Harbhajan Singh returned a six-wicket haul as New Zealand were dismissed for 279 in their second innings. India then chased down the required 39 runs for victory in 5.2 overs. Gautam Gambhir was unbeaten on 30 and Rahul Dravid on 8.
Since the IPL will be back in India, Gambhir felt skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni may ring in a few more changes.
'The feeling is surreal,' tweeted Surya
Senior cricketers Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir and Suresh Raina will lead India Red, India Blue and India Green teams respectively in the Duleep Trophy to be played at Greater Noida International Cricket Stadium from August 23 to September 14. The four-day tournament will be played for the first time with pink ball and under lights.
Sachin Tendulkar said that even if the ball is kissing the stumps or just brushing it, the decision should go in favour of the bowlers.
Beleaguered leg-spinner Amit Mishra is "available" for the fourth One-dayer against South Africa and his selection in the playing XI would depend on nature of the Chepauk track, senior off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has said.
South African pace ace Dale Steyn might not turn out to be as big a threat for India in next month's highly-anticipated Test series, feels senior spinner Harbhajan Singh.
Bhajji will spend the next seven days in quarantine in his hotel room in Mumbai before joining his KKR teammates for practice.
