Ravichandran Ashwin has finally addressed the long-standing narrative around his equation with fellow off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, putting to rest years of social media-fuelled speculation. In a candid conversation on his YouTube show ‘Kutti Stories’, Ashwin tackled the subject head-on, asserting that perceptions of jealousy are often projections of people’s mindsets rather than rooted in reality.
India has been privileged to witness two of its finest off-spinners in the modern era—Harbhajan Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin. While they belonged to different phases of Indian cricket, fans and commentators alike have often speculated about an underlying rivalry. Some even claimed Harbhajan harboured jealousy towards Ashwin’s rise. But the recent dialogue between the two seemed to put those rumours to bed.
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“People often see the world through their own lens,” Ravichandran Ashwin began. “When they comment that someone like Bhajji pa is jealous of me, they’re really just revealing their own biases.” In the teaser clip, Ashwin poses the question to Harbhajan himself, asking, “Do you think you are that kind of person?”
Harbhajan Singh: Unfiltered
An epic conversation on #KuttiStoriesWithAsh, powered by @PeterEngland_, is out.
All your questions and doubts, cleared. Fasten your seat belts!https://t.co/PDO7ozzSKe pic.twitter.com/3WyzVzwIqc
— Kutti Stories with Ash (@crikipidea) July 20, 2025
Ravichandran Ashwin elaborated that even if such feelings existed at any point, they are not something to be ashamed of. “Even if you were jealous once, it’s completely understandable. We’re all human. In elite sport, competitiveness brings such emotions naturally.”
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To drive home his point, Ashwin drew a parallel with his own situation. “There are people who think I retired because Washington Sundar was rising in the team. That’s not the case—but again, that’s their perspective.”
Harbhajan, for his part, seemed amused by the discussion and dismissed any such claims. Their open and respectful conversation showcased not only mutual admiration but also the maturity to reflect on career overlaps without bitterness.
