New Delhi: Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has opened up about mending his relationship with Andrew Symonds, revealing that they shared a heartfelt hug after discussing their on-field altercation. The retired spinner believes the incident in the Sydney Test during the 2007-08 series was exaggerated.
Harbhajan and Symonds became intense rivals during the infamous 2007-08 four-Test series in Australia. In the second Test at the SCG, the Australian all-rounder accused the off-spinner of calling him a ‘monkey‘. Harbhajan was handed a three-match ban for the alleged racial slur, but the ban was reduced after India appealed and threatened to abandon the tour.
Speaking to Code Sports, Harbhajan recalled how he and Symonds spoke calmly after the incident and eventually put their differences aside. The two even went on to win the Champions League title together with the Mumbai Indians in 2011.
“We sat together for a long time and talked it through. At the end of the conversation, we shared a long, long hug, and the picture of that hug became very famous in our chat groups. What started as an ugly spat turned into a great friendship. I believe things happen for a reason. The Sydney incident should never have blown up the way it did, but we sorted everything out. We left the controversy behind and went on to win the championship together.”
Unfortunately, Symonds tragically passed away in a car accident in May 2022, leaving the cricket world in shock. The late cricketer was known for winning numerous matches for Australia, but his career was cut short due to disciplinary issues.
Harbhajan Singh shared, reflecting on the shock of Andrew Symonds’ death. The 44-year-old, currently in Australia for the series against India, expressed how deeply he misses his former rival. “I look back and just wish all that (Monkeygate) drama never happened. I wish neither of us went through it.
Andrew is missed every day. I was shattered by the news of his death. When I heard about his accident, I couldn’t believe it. I thought, if he were still alive and living in Brisbane, I would have gone to his place that night, and we would have gone out. I just know that’s what would’ve happened. That was how we were.”
Symonds, an iconic figure in Australian cricket, played 26 Tests, 198 ODIs, and 14 T20Is throughout his career.
