Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has opened up on the rumoured rift between him and Ravichandran Ashwin, who called time on his international cricket career on Wednesday (December 18).
Ashwin confirmed his retirement decision during a press conference at the Gabba, where the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test ended in a draw.
The 38-year-old represented India in 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is, picking up 765 wickets across all formats. He finished his career as the country’s second highest wicket-taker (537 scalps) in Test cricket, only behind Anil Kumble’s record tally of 619 dismissals.
Ever since he hung up his boots, tributes have been pouring in for Ashwin from the members of the cricket fraternity.
Meanwhile, Harbhajan also showered rich praise on Ashwin and addressed the speculation of rift, saying that there is no truth to the claims of discord between them.
"I read social media only as much as I need to. If there is a standoff between me and Ashwin or if there was ever any fight, quarrel or disagreement, I would be the first person to go up to him and ask what the issue is," Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.
"But it was never like this, and it will never be like this because whatever is in his destiny, he will get it, and I got whatever was in my destiny. He has been a phenomenal bowler for India. I am very happy for his achievement," he added.
Harbhajan clarified that his criticism of India preparing rank turners for visiting teams is no way an attack on Ashwin.
"If people twist things on Twitter and make it seem as if I have a problem with Ashwin, then it's their point of view. I am a little vocal about the fact that the pitches on which India play cricket are not good tracks, there is a lot of spin on these tracks and matches get over within two and a half days," Harbhajan remarked.
"Because I am vocal about it, there is a lot of noise on social media, and people think I have a problem with one individual. I don't have a problem with any individual, I respect everyone because it is not easy to play for the country. They are all my colleagues. They are all my brothers, some elder, some younger," he concluded.
During his illustrious career, Ashwin was also part of India’s 2011 World Cup triumph and 2013 Champions Trophy title win. He bagged 11 Player-of-the-Series awards, the most by any cricketer in men’s Test history.
