‘Every ball from my 5-wicket hauls in Test matches is marked': Take a peek inside Harbhajan Singh's home

Indian Express

23-05-2025

Cricketer Harbhajan Singh may be known for his legendary off-spin, but off the field, his home tells a different story—one of family, love, nostalgia, and personal expression. In an old episode of Asian Paints Where The Heart Is, Harbhajan and his wife Geeta Basra opened their doors to give viewers a heartfelt tour through the spaces that have shaped their lives.
'Homes are made of people,' Harbhajan begins, instantly setting the tone for a deeply personal walkthrough. 'Homes aren't just about building walls,' he adds. It's clear from the start: this is more than architecture—it's a memory capsule, a sanctuary, and a space filled with life.
Harbhajan shares how his cricketing journey began in his father's house, where kids played on rooftops and in the streets. 'I lived some of the best moments of my life there. The neighbours—some played on the roof, some downstairs. My entire cricketing journey began in that house,' he recalled.
Built in 2010 on a plot gifted by the government, his current home is designed to be open, airy, and full of natural light. The large windows invite sunlight throughout the day, adding to the home's calm and welcoming ambience.
While many might expect a team of architects and designers, Harbhajan's home is truly a family creation. Geeta—who shares equal credit—explains, 'It definitely wasn't just me. This house is a joint collaborative effort. A lot of things are him, a lot of things are me, and a lot of things are both of us.'
From the dining area's muted tones and elegant textures to their favourite cosy nook, every inch has been carefully considered. 'We did whatever we liked because homes are made of people—with those vibes, those feels, that love, and affection,' she adds.
The bedrooms are a reflection of calmness and nostalgia. Harbhajan particularly loves the natural light that floods in during the day. 'The whole room is white, and that just adds more serene feeling,' he shares. The couple also proudly display childhood photographs and their favourite books. 'The smell of books is so therapeutic,' says his wife. 'And when Bhajji's biography comes out, we'll showcase it here.'
Their den is a cricket lover's dream. Memorabilia from Harbhajan's career—match balls from five-wicket hauls, personal artifacts, and even a pin-art piece gifted by a friend—are all lovingly preserved.
'All my cricket memorabilia is here. Every ball from my 5-wicket hauls in test matches is marked—with opponent, date, venue, and the wickets,' the former cricketer said. 'This picture is from the time I was celebrating a hat-trick,' he smiles, pointing at the artwork. 'When I saw it, I knew it belonged here.'
One of his most prized possessions? A worn-out trophy that 'made me Harbhajan Singh.' Though faded with time, its value remains timeless: 'The records have been written down in the pages of history.'
Their terrace garden is a vibrant green escape. 'We didn't want walls to be boring,' his wife says, showing off the vertical garden and grass-covered flooring. They even grow their own vegetables—broccoli, ladyfinger, and more. 'It's a blessing to have space where our kids can play and we can grow food.'
The couple's favourite space is a plush, chandelier-lit room that merges comfort and elegance. 'Lighting plays a huge role,' she says. 'Even bare walls can feel alive with the right light.' And of course, no home of a film-loving family is complete without a home theatre. Insulated walls, broad sofas, and warm textures create a space where the family can relax and unwind.
Harbhajan sums it up beautifully: 'The rest of the things, like walls and curtains—you can easily get them. But comfort only comes from here,' he says, placing his hand on his heart. 'Make sure, when you're making that house, make it with so much love, so that you can feel that comfort.'