Indian cricket fans have long speculated about a rivalry between two of the country’s greatest off-spinners — Harbhajan Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin. But the duo finally addressed those rumours in a heart-to-heart conversation on Ashwin’s YouTube show, Kutti Stories with Ash.
Ashwin, who rose to prominence just as Harbhajan’s career was winding down, brought up the long-standing speculation during their chat.
“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,” Ashwin explained. He added, “Their comments that you (Harbhajan) are jealous of this person who is interviewing you today (Ashwin), what would that be about, Bhajji pa?”
Harbhajan didn’t shy away from the question and instead turned it around to Ashwin. “Do you think I am jealous of you? You are sitting with me today, and we have spoken at length. Do you think I am that kind of person?” he asked.
Ashwin, known for his honest views, replied, “Even if you were jealous at one point in time, I think it’s justified. That is my point, and I will never take it wrong because we are all human.”
He also addressed the rumours surrounding his retirement. “Naturally, it is bound to be like that. Some people believe I retired because Washington Sundar is in the thick of things. All of this is the perspective of others.”
Ashwin is currently India’s second-highest wicket-taker in international cricket, behind only Anil Kumble. Harbhajan, on the other hand, finished his career with over 400 wickets in Test cricket.
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