Ashwin & Harbhajan Address ‘Jealousy’ Rumours, End Rift Speculation Publicly

Veteran Indian off-spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh have seemingly put to rest years of speculated rivalry and perceived tension. In a much-anticipated episode of Ashwin’s YouTube series #KuttiStoriesWithAsh, the two legends of Indian spin bowling discussed the long-standing rumors of jealousy and rivalry, especially from Harbhajan’s side.

Ashwin, who made his Test debut for India in 2011, began rising to prominence just as Harbhajan’s long and illustrious career was approaching its final chapters. The overlap led to widespread media-fueled narratives about tensions between the two, especially as Ashwin started breaking records previously held by Harbhajan. The fact that Harbhajan had occasionally critiqued Ashwin’s performances in the media only added fuel to the speculation.

However, in the teaser clip released on Saturday, the two had a candid and respectful conversation, seemingly clearing the air. Ashwin addressed the rumors head-on:

“This whole jealousy bit, before I allow you to answer that, let me clarify something. People look at everything from their perspective… Their comments that you (Harbhajan) are jealous of this person who is interviewing you today, what would that be about, Bhajji pa?”

Harbhajan responded with poise and sincerity:

“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?”

Ashwin replied that he didn’t see Harbhajan as jealous but acknowledged that even if there had been some rivalry, it would be understandable:

“Even if you were jealous at one point in time, I think it’s justified… we are all human. Naturally, it is bound to be like that.”

He even drew parallels with his own recent retirement and Washington Sundar’s rise, hinting that transitions in cricket are inevitable and emotional, but not personal.

Ashwin recently retired from Test cricket during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Meanwhile, Washington Sundar has taken over as India’s lead off-spinner in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, playing under the guidance of Ravindra Jadeja.

This conversation between Ashwin and Harbhajan has been welcomed by fans as a refreshing moment of maturity, honesty, and respect between two of India’s greatest spinners. It also helps close the chapter on one of Indian cricket’s most talked-about unspoken rivalries.