Harbhajan Singh has clarified he has no ill-will towards Ravichandran Ashwin and claims his comments on the type of Tests pitches being prepared in India nowadays have been twisted to indicate he’s envious of the achievements of his former teammate who recently announced international retirement. Ashwin called time on his India career earlier this week midway through the Australia tour and thus brought an end to a career that saw him finish as the second-most prolific bowler for India in Tests after Anil Kumble.
Harbhajan, the fourth most successful Indian Test bowler in history, has claimed that if ever there was any animosity between him and Ashwin, he would be the first one to sort out the differences.
“I don’t read anything on social media beyond what’s necessary. If there ever was problem between Ashwin and me, then I would be the first person to approach and patch up,” Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel while responding to a query over claims of his alleged rift with Ashwin doing the rounds on social media.
“There was no problem before and there won’t be any in future either. He will achieve everything he’s destined to and same goes for me. He’s been a phenomenal bowler for India. I’m very happy for his achievements,” he added.
Harbhajan said since he’s been quite vocal about India dishing out pitches which was quite spin-friendly, it’s taken as a remark made out of jealously because of the success Ashwin has enjoyed.
“People twist (words) to indicate that I’m jealous of him (Ashwin). It is their perspective. I am quite vocal on the type of pitches on which Indian team plays (at home). I feel they aren’t right for cricket, they are very spin friendly and a match ends in 2-3 days. Recently, we were left to bite the dust ourselves during the New Zealand series,” he said.
Harbhajan pointed out how the strategy of preparing spin-friendly surfaces backfired when India suffered a historic 3-0 clean sweep in a Test series at the hands of New Zealand at home.
“I’ve always maintained – you’ve a great team, top-class spinners – R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, (Jasprit) Bumrah, (Mohammed) Shami, (Mohammed) Siraj and more waiting in the line. You have top-class batters. So what’s the need for a pitch on which you are providing a chance to your opponent? So, when I raise this then it leads to chatter on social media. But it settles down quickly,” he said.
“People think that I’ve a problem with an individual which is not right. I respect everyone. It’s not easy to play for your country and have such a long career – be it batter or bowler, I’ve no problem with anyone,” he added.
