[WATCH] 'Even if you were jealous.....' – Ravichandran Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh address rift rumours between Indian spin legends

Indian spin stalwarts Ravichandran Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh have finally opened up on long-standing rumors surrounding jealousy and a supposed rift between the two. During a candid interaction, Harbhajan asked Ashwin directly whether he believed the former was ever jealous of his success. Ashwin responded by acknowledging that even if jealousy had existed at one point, it was only a natural human reaction. The two off-spinners are among the greatest to have represented India in Tests, with Harbhajan taking 417 wickets in 103 matches and Ashwin scalping 537 wickets in 106 games.

Ashwin replaced Harbhajan as India’s lead spinner in Test cricket, which had sparked years of speculation about friction. However, in the teaser of Season 3 of Kutti Stories with Ash, the duo addressed the topic head-on. Ashwin began by stating, “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. This comment that you are jealous of this person who is interviewing you today—what would that be about?”

Harbhajan calmly responded, “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 then added, “Even if you were jealous at one point, it is justified. That is my point. I would never take it the wrong way because we are all human. Naturally, it is bound to be like that.”

Ashwin denies retirement link with Washington Sundar

During the same discussion, Ashwin also dismissed another widespread rumor—that his international retirement in 2024 was due to Washington Sundar being preferred over him in the playing XI. “Some people believe I retired because of Washington Sundar. He is in the thick of things now. All of this is the perspective of others,” Ashwin clarified.

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A post shared by Kutti Stories with Ash (@crikipidea)

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Harbhajan retired from all forms of cricket in December 2021, while Ashwin stepped away from the international game during the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Aside from their excellence with the ball, both players made notable contributions with the bat. Ashwin scored six Test centuries and 14 fifties, while Harbhajan hit two centuries and nine fifties in red-ball cricket.