In the past, Harbhajan Singh had often spoken against Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion in the Indian team, especially on overseas tours. But on Monday (May 4), the Turbanator termed Ashwin as the best off-spinner in the world right now.

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The duo, who were once fighting for that lone off-spinner's slot in the national side, sat down for an Instagram live chat on Ashwin's #ReminiscewithAsh show and spoke their hearts out.

"A lot of people would say that there is a lot of jealousy between us. But I would want to call out to those detractors and say there is nothing like that. Ashwin is the best offie in the world right now. I also rate Nathan Lyon highly,” Harbhajan said.

"The Aussie (offie) is also up there because he has done extremely well for himself given the fact that he comes from Australia where the pitches hardly aid spinners. But Ashwin is a legend in the making. Going forward, I only want him to stay fit because he is capable of taking a lot more wickets and could finish among the highest wicket-takers in the world," he added.

Ashwin also recalled Harbhajan's exploits during the 2000-01 Australia's tour of India. The Tamil Nadu tweaker revealed when Harbhajan left a lasting impression on him with his sportsmanship spirit.

"I have never missed a Test at Chepauk… I have might have played in them or watched it from the stands. So I was there during that Test. I saw you going to Bahutule and apologising for dropping Hayden earlier. My father pointed out the sportsman's spirit between the two players. He told me about how the players get along with the game and focus on the next ball. So it left a deep impact on me," Ashwin recounted.

The memories of that historic Test also made Bhajji a bit nostalgic.

"I was feeling disappointed because Hayden went on to score a double ton. And Bahutule couldn't take many wickets despite bowling well. But he told me to let go of it and said these things happen. He was actually my room partner during that Test but he never mentioned about the incident even after we returned to our room," Harbhajan said.

(With TOI inputs)