Overview:
During the conversation, Ashwin also rejected the suggestion that he decided to retire because Washington Sundar was being chosen ahead of him in the playing XI.
Indian spin bowling legends Ravichandran Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh have finally broken their silence regarding the rumours of a falling out and rivalry between them. During a conversation, Harbhajan asked Ashwin if he felt any jealousy towards his success. Ashwin responded by admitting that if there was ever any jealousy, it was only a natural human reaction.
Both players are widely recognised as two of India’s greatest spin bowlers, particularly in Test cricket. Harbhajan played 103 Tests, taking 417 wickets at an average of 32.46, with 25 five-wicket hauls and five ten-wicket hauls. Ashwin has featured in 106 Tests, taking 537 wickets at an average of 24, including 37 five-wicket hauls and eight ten-wicket hauls.
Ashwin eventually replaced Harbhajan as India‘s primary Test spinner, which sparked rumours of a rift between the two. In a teaser for Season 3 of Kutti Stories with Ash, both Ashwin and Harbhajan were seen addressing these speculations. Ashwin openly asked Harbhajan about the controversy.
“Regarding this whole jealousy thing, let me first clarify something before I let you respond. People tend to view everything from their own perspective. For instance, when they make a comment about me, they expect others to see things the way they do. So, when someone says you’re jealous of the person interviewing you today what exactly does that mean?”
Harbhajan calmly responded.
“Do you believe I’m jealous of you? You’re here with me today, and we’ve had a long conversation. Do you really think I’m the kind of person to feel that way?”
Ashwin once again opined on the matter.
“Even if you were jealous at some point, it’s understandable. That’s my point. I would never take it negatively because we’re all human, and it’s only natural for such feelings to arise.”
During the conversation, Ashwin also rejected the suggestion that he decided to retire because Washington Sundar was being chosen ahead of him in the playing XI. The 38-year-old clarified:
“Some people think I retired because of Washington Sundar. He’s in the spotlight now. But all of this is just how others see it.”