In the mid 90s, Harvinder Singh was one of the most promising medium pacers in the country. After several fine performances around the domestic circuit and for India Under-19, he was selected in the India A team for the SAARC tour tournament in Bangladesh in February 1997. He emerged as one of the stars of the competition with figures of 6 for 43 against Pakistan A and 4 for 44 against Bangladesh. This showing got him a place in the Indian side for the Sahara Cup in Toronto that year. Improving gradually, he was given his Test cap against Australia early in 1998. He had an encouraging start, removing Mark Taylor in his first spell. He also played in the third Test of the same series as the spearhead of the attack in the absence of Srinath. He picked up the wicket of Michael Slater and kept his place in the side for the Coca Cola Cup tournament in Sharjah that followed immediately. Never able to command a regular place, his final outing came against Sri Lanka at kandy, where he was again solid but unimpressive. In the one-day game, he picked up wickets but his economy rate (well over five an over) was against him.
Partab Ramchand