Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds have been concerned in a bitter scuffle in India’s tour to Australia in 2008. In a sequence the place tempers flared, Symonds had alleged that Harbhajan Singh had used a racial slur in opposition to him. Later whereas taking part in within the IPL, the duo mended their relationship.
Andrew Symonds within the Indian Premier League. (Courtesy: Reuters)
HIGHLIGHTSAndrew Symonds handed away on 14 May in a automobile accidentAndrew Symonds is likely one of the most damaging batters to have ever performedHarbhajan Singh despatched condolences to the Symonds household
Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh was left shocked after listening to the information of Andrew Symonds’ demise. Former Australian cricketer and two-time World Cup champion with Australia, Symonds died in a automobile crash within the late hours of Saturday, May 14. Waking as much as the information on Sunday, Harbhajan mentioned that he couldn’t come to phrases with the information that the legendary Australian had handed away.
“I was so shocked when I woke up this morning and saw my phone and I was shattered with this news that Andrew is no more. I still can’t believe Andrew is no more because he’s such a strong guy and whatever has happened is a very sad thing. My condolences to his family and friends and it’s a loss for all of us,” he mentioned to Star Sports.
As tributes poured in from all internationally, Harbhajan hoped that Symonds was at a greater place and he was at peace.
“Wherever you are mate, we want you to rest is peace and you would be missed,” the off spinner mentioned.
Harbhajan and Symonds’ relationship went lengthy again and had a number of historical past. Bitter rivals at the moment India and Australia have been taking part in within the 2008 Test sequence the place Symonds had alleged that Harbhajan had used a racial slur in opposition to him in Sydney. In a really publicised battle, Habhajan was first banned for 3 matches after which it was overturned right into a 50 per cent wonderful.
Mending Relationships
The duo later made up throughout their time in Mumbai Indians within the Indian Premier League, and Harbhajan mentioned that he received actually near Andrew Symonds as soon as he received to know him.
“Obviously we’ve had a lot of history. Thanks to IPL and Mumbai Indians for putting both of us together in one dressing room. And once I got to know such a lovely human being and we became very good friends,” Harbhajan mentioned.
“We used to take a seat collectively, have a drink, giggle. He used to share a number of tales. He was somebody who I may name at 2:30 within the morning and say ‘hey mate, what are you doing, what are you up to, lets meet’ and he would be up for it,” said the former India bowler.
Symonds’ passing at simply 46 years of age got here as a shock to the world of cricket. Australia misplaced one other legend after the premature passing of Shane Warne in March earlier this yr.
