Harbhajan Singh, the first Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in Test cricket, has declared his retirement from all forms of the game. He finished behind Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev, and R Ashwin as the country’s fourth-highest wicket-taker (417).

Also read: Harbhajan Singh retires: Turbantaor’s career in numbers

“All good things come to an end and today as I bid adieu to the game that has given me everything in life, I would like to thank everyone who made this 23-year-long journey beautiful and memorable,” Harbhajan tweeted.

Former teammates, colleagues, commentators and peers reached out to Singh with love and congratulations.

Journalist Rajdeep Sardesai wrote on Twitter, “So @harbhajan_singh retires from cricket as India’s 4th highest wicket taker. Kolkata 2001 is seen as the Laxman-Dravid show but don’t forget the Bhajji hat trick! Big heart, on a turning track was devastating. And could bat too! T 20 and World Cup winner, go well #Bhajji!”

Sports analyst Gaurav Kalra fondly noted, “ …will never forget the delirious celebration when he picked up his first wicket, a magic delivery to clean bowl greg blewett. it was fitting his debut was against australia, given what was to come in his career!”

“Hearty congratulations to my great mate @harbhajan_singh on a remarkable career! A tremendous exponent of off-spin, a gifted batsman and a true competitor who fashioned many a wonderful Indian victory. Best wishes for the future, Bhajji, go well!” wrote former veteran teammate VVS Laxman.

“Ur gonna be the one of the best ever played cricket not just for india but in world of cricket..it’s a huge honour to know u and  to have played with you b bhajjipa ….will always cherish the lovely hugs( lucky for me ) before my spells ) lots of love and respect,” Sreesanth, former Indian medium pacer wrote.

Veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle wrote, “Wonderful to see you flower from a slim, young, talented cricketer to a match-winner. Wish you lots of happiness and satisfaction. You gave your family so much to be proud of”

“You turned many games for India. You won many for MI. You took to the field and played with passion for all the teams you represented over your long career! Happy retirement, TURBANATOR,” put out Mumbai Indians on their official account.

“Congratulations on a wonderful career Pajhi. Your contribution to cricket has been immense and it was a pleasure to play alongside you. Enjoyed our great moments together on and off the field. Wishing you luck for your next innings,” wrote Shikhar Dhawan.

Parthiv Patel, former Indian wicket-keeper, said, “More than a truly great player, Bhajju Pa was always a big brother for all the juniors. @harbhajan_singh would make us laugh all the time and was someone who always made the dressing room like our home. Best wishes in your new innings.”

He is one of only a few Indian cricketers to have been in two ICC World Cup finals, losing in 2003 to Australia and winning in 2011 against Sri Lanka.