NEW DELHI: Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket earlier this week, bringing an end to his illustrious career following the Gabba Test against Australia. The 38-year-old spinner retires as India’s second-highest wicket-taker across all formats, trailing only the legendary Anil Kumble.
Ashwin’s impact on Test cricket has been monumental. He claimed 11 Player of the Series awards, the most by any cricketer in men’s Test history, cementing his status as one of India’s greatest match-winners.
Over the years, comparisons between Ashwin and fellow Indian spin legend Harbhajan Singh were frequent. Speculation about a rift between the two spinners has often surfaced, suggesting strained relations.
However, Harbhajan recently dispelled such rumors following Ashwin’s retirement, asserting 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 Singh 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.
“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,” said Harbhajan.
“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,” said Harbhajan.
Ashwin picked 765 wickets in international cricket in 379 innings, while Harbhajan scalped 707 wickets in his illustrous career.