India spin nice Harbhajan Singh’s feud with Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds in the course of the 2007/08 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, popularly often known as the ‘Monkeygate’ scandal, is without doubt one of the darker chapters of the cricket rivalry shared by the 2 nations. Nevertheless, Harbhajan has now shared how the 2 turned agency associates after they acquired to know one another higher at Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians three years later. Harbhajan revealed that he had shared a heat hug with Symonds after quashing the strain.
Symonds and Harbhajan have been embroiled in a horrible controversy, the place the latter was accused of racially abusing Symonds. Harbhajan was initially handed a three-match ban, however noticed it rescinded quickly after.
In 2011, Symonds was purchased by IPL franchise Mumbai Indians, for whom Harbhajan additionally performed. Harbhajan revealed the story of how the 2 soothed their relationship.
“We sat collectively for an extended, very long time and talked about it. On the finish of the dialog, we had an extended hug,” Harbhajan mentioned, in an interview with Code Sports activities.
“The image of the hug turned very well-known in our discussion groups. A really ugly spat turned an awesome friendship,” Harbhajan added.
Harbhajan additionally admitted that the incident had been allowed to go too far.
“The Sydney factor ought to’ve by no means exploded prefer it did. We did kind every thing out,” Harbhajan acknowledged. The 2 have been then a part of the 2011 Champions League T20-winning Mumbai Indians facet.
Harbhajan additionally expressed his disappointment at Symonds’ dying. Symonds handed away in a automotive accident in Might 2022.
“After I heard the information of the accident, I simply hoped it was false. I could not consider it. I used to be shattered,” Harbhajan mentioned.
“After I was in Brisbane final week, I assumed if he have been nonetheless alive, I might have gone to his place final evening, and we’d’ve gone out. That is the bond we shared,” Harbhajan mentioned additional.
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