In a sport where changing line-ups and competition for spots is routine, fans often build narratives that don’t align with reality. One such long-standing perception has been the supposed Harbhajan Ashwin jealousy, a debate that resurfaced recently during a candid moment on R Ashwin’s podcast. But when Harbhajan Singh finally addressed it, what he had to say was grounded, honest, and far from what many expected.
Harbhajan Singh, one of India’s finest off-spinners and a key figure in India cricket history, set the record straight when Ashwin’s comment suggested he might have been envious of Ashwin’s rise. Rather than deflect or dismiss it, Bhajji responded with calm clarity: “Do you think I’m jealous of you?” It wasn’t sarcasm. It wasn’t aggression. It was a genuine moment that peeled back the curtain on what really goes on when two premier players occupy similar roles in the Indian cricket team.
Ashwin and Harbhajan talk: When One Era Meets the Next
To understand the context of this narrative, one has to look back at how the careers of Harbhajan Singh and R Ashwin overlapped. Harbhajan, who made his Test debut in the late ’90s, was a cornerstone of India’s spin attack for over a decade. From historic spells against Australia to playing a vital role in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup, he was more than just a bowler, he was a match-winner.
When Ashwin emerged, India cricket was undergoing a generational shift. Harbhajan’s form had dipped, and fitness issues began surfacing, especially in the longer format. Ashwin, a more modern off-spinner with a different approach and success on subcontinent pitches, quickly cemented his place in Tests and limited-overs formats. Naturally, comparisons arose.
But to imply jealousy is to undermine Harbhajan’s legacy and the nature of professional sport. As Bhajji rightly hinted in the podcast, competitive instinct doesn’t equate to resentment. It’s the drive that keeps elite athletes performing.
The 2015 South Africa Series: One Last Spin
Interestingly, the two off-spinners were part of the same squad during South Africa’s tour of India in 2015. This was one of those rare bilateral series that featured five ODIs and three T20Is. Contrary to popular belief, Harbhajan was chosen in the playing XI ahead of Ashwin in the ODIs, a reminder that even at the twilight of his career, his skills were still valued.
Though South Africa won the ODI series, it became a poignant chapter in Harbhajan’s career. The final match of that series marked his last appearance in an ODI for India. It wasn’t a grand farewell but a quiet exit, typical of how Indian cricket often moves on.
In the T20I series that preceded it, both off-spinners featured, but South Africa took the honours, winning two out of three games. The presence of both Harbhajan and Ashwin in the squad during that tour underlined that the transition wasn’t hostile, it was happening as part of the natural evolution of the team.
2016: Final Bow in Blue
Harbhajan’s last international game came just a few months later in the Asia Cup T20, where India faced UAE. In that match, he returned economical figures of 4 overs, 11 runs, and 1 wicket, a performance that encapsulated his experience and control. While that game didn’t attract much attention, it closed the chapter on a remarkable international career that spanned nearly two decades.
Meanwhile, Ashwin continued to be a vital cog in the Indian setup until the Champions Trophy in 2017, after which Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal took over the white-ball responsibilities. But even then, there was never any public bitterness from Harbhajan. He remained active in franchise cricket, media, and commentary, offering insights without controversy.
More Than Just Numbers
Let’s not forget Harbhajan’s impact in the 2011 World Cup. He played all nine matches, taking 9 wickets, often in middle overs where containment and breakthroughs were crucial. His spell against Pakistan in the semi-final, where he dismissed Umar Akmal, turned the tide. While newer fans might focus on final-stage performances, those who followed that campaign closely know how critical Bhajji’s role was.
Yet despite these achievements, narratives like the Harbhajan – Ashwin jealousy storyline tend to stick, until moments like this podcast clear the air.
A Lesson in Professionalism
The podcast episode wasn’t just a reflection of two players talking shop; it was a lesson in how real professionals carry themselves. Ashwin, to his credit, acknowledged that even if there had been a tinge of rivalry, it was natural. Harbhajan’s mature response proved once again that beneath the headlines, there are athletes who respect the game and each other.
So, was there ever any Harbhajan Ashwin jealousy?
If you watched the podcast, the answer’s obvious: No. What existed was mutual respect, a shared journey, and the bittersweet transition between two world-class off-spinners, one bowing out with dignity, and the other carrying the torch forward.
And in Indian cricket’s rich history, there’s room for both stories to shine.
