I got to know such a lovely human being: Harbhajan Singh on mending relationship with Andrew Symonds
India Today
Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds were involved in a bitter scuffle in India’s tour to Australia in 2008. In a series where tempers flared, Symonds had alleged that Harbhajan Singh had used a racial slur against him. Later while playing in the IPL, the duo mended their relationship.
Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh was left shocked after hearing the news of Andrew Symonds’ death. Former Australian cricketer and two-time World Cup champion with Australia, Symonds died in a car crash in the late hours of Saturday, May 14. Waking up to the news on Sunday, Harbhajan said that he could not come to terms with the news that the legendary Australian had passed 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 said to Star Sports.
As tributes poured in from all across the world, Harbhajan hoped that Symonds was at a better 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 said.
Harbhajan and Symonds’ relationship went long back and had a lot of history. Bitter rivals at that time India and Australia were playing in the 2008 Test series where Symonds had alleged that Harbhajan had used a racial slur against him in Sydney. In a very publicised battle, Habhajan was first banned for three matches and then it was overturned into a 50 per cent fine.
The duo later made up during their time in Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, and Harbhajan said that he got really close to Andrew Symonds once he got 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 said.
