In a startling revelation, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh disclosed that he has not spoken to MS Dhoni in over a decade, except for professional exchanges during their time with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL. The two, once part of India’s World Cup-winning squads in 2007 and 2011, seem to have grown apart, with Harbhajan hinting at unresolved tensions but stopping short of revealing specifics.
The Rift Between Two Icons of Indian Cricket
Harbhajan, a pivotal figure in Indian cricket during the early 2000s, admitted that his relationship with Dhoni had faded after their time together in the national team. While the spinner did not blame Dhoni directly, his comments indicated a lack of communication that spanned more than ten years. “No, I don’t speak to Dhoni. When I was playing for CSK, we spoke on the ground, but beyond that, nothing. It’s been more than 10 years now,” Harbhajan said in an interview with News18.
From Glory to Isolation
The 2011 World Cup final was a historic moment for Indian cricket, but it also marked the last time the team that faced Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium played together. Several players, including Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, and Zaheer Khan, retired in the years that followed, while others like Harbhajan and Yuvraj Singh were gradually phased out. Harbhajan and Yuvraj have previously spoken about feeling sidelined in the years after India’s World Cup triumph, hinting at lingering disappointment over how their careers ended.
Harbhajan last represented India in 2015 in an ODI against South Africa, which was also the final time he and Dhoni played together for the national team. Although they were reunited at CSK during the IPL, their interactions remained confined to on-field discussions.
Harbhajan Reflects on His Career and Relationships
Harbhajan revealed that he stays in regular contact with former teammates like Yuvraj Singh and Ashish Nehra but has little interaction with Dhoni. He emphasized the importance of mutual respect and communication in maintaining relationships. “I don’t have anything against Dhoni. If he has something to say, he can tell me. But I haven’t tried to call him because I believe in maintaining mutual respect. A relationship is about give and take,” he said.
Dhoni’s Vision and Harbhajan’s Exit from the Team
When Dhoni became India’s captain, he focused on building a younger team with an eye on the 2015 World Cup. Harbhajan, who was in his early 30s and considered past his prime, played limited matches under Dhoni’s leadership after 2011. Despite being India’s leading spinner at one point, Harbhajan appeared in just 10 ODIs and six T20Is post-2011. His Test appearances dwindled as well, with his last match coming in 2015 under Virat Kohli’s captaincy.
A Legacy Overshadowed by Unresolved Differences
Harbhajan Singh, with 103 Tests and numerous match-winning performances, remains one of India’s greatest spinners. His journey, however, ended on a bittersweet note, overshadowed by a strained relationship with one of the most celebrated captains in cricket history. While the exact reasons behind the rift remain unclear, Harbhajan’s candid remarks offer a glimpse into the complexities of their professional and personal dynamics.
