Is Harbhajan Singh 'jealous' of Ravi Ashwin? The spinners confront each other
The stints of both Harbhajan Singh and Ravi Ashwin have concluded with the Indian national team. It so happened that the rise of Ashwin's career in the national team clashed with the conclusion of Harbhajan's. Two of the finest off-spinners, Harbhajan Singh and Ravi Ashwin, have both etched their names in the annals of Indian cricket. Known for their ability to shift the momentum and strike at crucial junctures, the two brought immense value to the national team. Ashwin rose through the ranks around the time Harbhajan, popularly known as the 'Turbanator', was nearing the twilight of his career. Over the years, speculation about a possible rift between the two spinners has often surfaced online.
Harbhajan Singh spills if he is 'jealous' of Ravi Ashwin
The buzz around the speculated animosity between both was recently addressed when Harbhajan Singh sat down with Ravi Ashwin for the latter's Youtube show. Ashwin hosted Harbhajan for a candid conversation on his show 'Kutti Stories With Ash'. Never the one to shy away from 'hard' talks, Ashwin brought the topic of the alleged 'jealousy' between the former Indian spinners.
During the chat, Harbhajan set the record straight, making it clear that he isn't someone who lets jealousy take root. The former Indian spinner went on to specify that he doesn't let animosity linger, especially not against his fellow teammates. At the time of Ashwin's debut in 2011, Harbhajan was already a senior, well-established presence in the Indian side. However, as Ravi Ashwin began to cement his place, he quickly became the preferred off-spinner, leading to Harbhajan’s gradual exclusion from the playing XI and later from the squad itself.
“This whole jealousy bit, before I allow you to answer that, let me clarify something. People look at everything from their perspective. For example, if they are passing a comment on me, they believe that others would see the world through their eyes," Ashwin said to Harbhajan. "Their comments that you (Harbhajan) are jealous of this person who is interviewing you today (Ashwin), what would that be about, Bhajji pa?" he asked further.
In a moment of playful candour, Harbhajan flipped the question back to Ashwin, asking if he genuinely came across as someone who’d be envious of a teammate’s rise. Ashwin responded by stating that there’s nothing inherently wrong with feeling jealous, it’s a normal human reaction, and acknowledged it without hesitation.
“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?" asked Harbhajan.
Ravi Ashwin, who stepped away from international cricket in December 2024 during the Border Gavaskar Trophy, also referenced how similar narratives surfaced when he announced his retirement. He mentioned Washington Sundar as an example, alluding to the conspiracy theories that emerged during that period. Statistically, Ashwin stands as India's second-highest wicket-taker across formats, trailing only the legendary Anil Kumble. Meanwhile, Harbhajan also boasts an illustrious record, having claimed over 400 Test wickets in his career.
“Even if you were jealous at one point in time, I think it’s justified. That is my point, and I will never take it wrong because we are all human,” said Ashwin. “Naturally, it is bound to be like that. Some people believe I retired because Washington Sundar is in the thick of things. All of this is the perspective of others,” he added.
