Harbhajan Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin Address Alleged Rivalry

Discussion on Alleged Jealousy

Former Indian cricket stars Harbhajan Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin recently discussed the rumored tension between them. Ashwin, who has just retired, mentioned that if Harbhajan felt 'jealous' of his achievements at any point, it was a natural and understandable emotion.

Transition of Spin Bowling Roles

Harbhajan concluded his Test career in 2015 after playing 103 matches and taking 417 wickets. Following his retirement, Ashwin emerged as the primary spinner for India. The timing of Harbhajan's decline in form coincided with Ashwin's ascent as a prominent all-rounder in international cricket. This shift led to widespread speculation about a rift between the two, especially as some of Harbhajan's remarks about Ashwin were interpreted as criticisms.

Clarifying the Jealousy Narrative

In a teaser for the third season of 'Kutti Stories with Ash' on Ashwin's Instagram, Ashwin addressed the jealousy narrative directly. He stated, 'People often view situations through their own lens. If someone claims you are jealous of them, it reflects their perspective, not necessarily reality.'

Harbhajan then inquired if Ashwin believed he was indeed jealous. Ashwin responded, 'Even if you were jealous at some point, that’s completely normal. I wouldn’t take it negatively because we are all human, and such feelings are natural.'

Retirement Speculations

Ashwin also tackled rumors surrounding his retirement from international cricket, which occurred during a challenging Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. He refuted claims that his decision was influenced by Washington Sundar's rise in the team, stating, 'Some people think I retired because of Washington Sundar. He is currently performing well, but that’s merely others' perspectives.'

Ravichandran Ashwin's Remarkable Career

Throughout his career, Ashwin has played 106 Tests for India, claiming 537 wickets at an impressive average of 24.00, with his best bowling figures being 7/59. He has achieved 37 five-wicket hauls and eight ten-wicket match hauls, making him the eighth-highest wicket-taker in Test history and second for India, following Anil Kumble's 619 wickets.

In terms of batting, Ashwin has amassed 3,503 runs in Tests at an average of 25.75, including six centuries and 14 fifties, with a top score of 124.

In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he has taken 156 wickets at an average of 33.20 and scored 707 runs, while in T20 Internationals, he has claimed 72 wickets. Overall, Ashwin has taken 765 wickets across all formats, making him India's second-highest wicket-taker, just behind Anil Kumble's 953 wickets.

Ashwin was also instrumental in India's victories in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.