The discussion gained ground given the timeline of their careers, Harbhajan, India’s senior-most spinner through the early 2000s, gradually stepped away from Test cricket in 2015 after a remarkable 103-match career that yielded 417 wickets. Around the same time, Ashwin emerged as India’s frontline spinner and a dependable all-rounder
Ravichandran Ashwin (L) and Harbhajan Singh attend a practice session (Pic: AFP)
In a candid conversation that addressed their long-standing speculation, former cricketers Ravichandran Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh recently weighed in on their perceived rivalry, finally putting to rest years of rumours regarding a rift between them. Speaking in a teaser for the third season of Kutti Stories with Ash, Ashwin touched upon the whispers of 'jealousy' that had shadowed their overlapping careers.
The discussion gained ground given the timeline of their careers, Harbhajan, India’s senior-most spinner through the early 2000s, gradually stepped away from Test cricket in 2015 after a remarkable 103-match career that yielded 417 wickets. Around the same time, Ashwin emerged as India’s frontline spinner and a dependable all-rounder, leading to debates about whether tension existed between the two.
On the show, Ashwin addressed the elephant in the room. “This whole jealousy bit. Before I allow you to answer that, let me clarify something. People look at everything from their perspective. For example, if they are passing a comment on me, they believe that others would see the world through their eyes. This comment that you are jealous of this person who is interviewing you today--what would that be about?" he asked Harbhajan, who responded with a smile, asking, “You think I was jealous of you?”
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"Even if you were jealous at one point, it is justified. That is my point. I would never take it the wrong way because we are all human. Naturally, it is bound to be like that," Ashwin explained.
The recently retired spinner also addressed speculation around the timing of his exit from international cricket, dismissing claims that the rise of younger players, particularly Washington Sundar, influenced his decision. “Some people believe I retired because of Washington Sundar. He is in the thick of things now. All of this is the perspective of others,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin concluded his career as one of India’s greatest-ever spin bowlers. In 106 Tests, he claimed 537 wickets at an average of 24.00, including 37 five-wicket hauls and eight ten-wicket match hauls. He is the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests, behind Anil Kumble (619), and eighth overall in the history of the format.
With the bat, Ashwin contributed 3,503 runs in Tests at an average of 25.75, scoring six centuries. In ODIs, he took 156 wickets and scored 707 runs, while his T20I career brought 72 wickets. Across formats, Ashwin amassed 765 wickets, placing him second among India’s all-time leading wicket-takers.
He was also part of India’s victorious squads in the 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy, leaving behind a legacy defined by skill, intellect, and consistency.
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