Harbhajan Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin recently sat down for a chat. They addressed the long-standing talk around Harbhajan being jealous of Ashwin. Ashwin brought up the topic himself, saying people often judge situations from their own point of view. Harbhajan, meanwhile, denied the claims and said such thoughts do not reflect who he is.
Ashwin made his India debut in 2010, around the time Harbhajan’s role in the team was beginning to fade. Ashwin quickly became India’s lead spinner, while Harbhajan struggled to make a comeback. Over time, many people started saying that Harbhajan was jealous of Ashwin’s rise.
The talk has followed them for years, especially because they played the same role, that of India’s main off-spinner. While one was rising, the other was slowly stepping away. While both were highly successful, it made people draw conclusions. But in their latest chat, they cleared it all up.
Ravichandran Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh Open Up on 'Jealousy' Talk
In a free-flowing conversation, Ravichandran Ashwin brought up the elephant in the room, the long-held notion that Harbhajan had been jealous of his success. But before allowing Harbhajan to answer, Ashwin made his stance clear.
"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, Bhajji pa?" Ashwin asked Harbhajan on his Youtube channel.
Harbhajan turned the question around and asked Ashwin directly if he feels he is that sort of person.
"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?” said Harabhajan as quoted.
Ashwin responded maturely and acknowledged that if there had ever been any jealousy, he would completely understand as they both are humans.
"Even if you are 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. 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 replied.
Ravichandran Ashwin & Harbhajan Singh’s Legacy
Ashwin made his Test debut for India in 2011 and became the team’s frontline spinner after replacing Harbhajan. Over the years, he went on to become one of the most successful bowlers in Indian cricket history. In December 2024, he announced his international retirement during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He finished as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests with 537 scalps from 106 matches. He took 765 international wickets.
Harbhajan, who made his debut in 1998, was one of India’s premier spinners through the 2000s. He retired from international cricket in 2021 after claiming 707 wickets in 365 matches.
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