Harbhajan Singh’s recent social media activity has fueled rumors of a strained relationship with former Indian captain MS Dhoni. Days after revealing that he has not spoken to Dhoni in over a decade, Harbhajan posted a cryptic message on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, leaving fans speculating about the nature of their bond.
Decade-Long Silence Between Harbhajan and Dhoni
In an interview with News18, Harbhajan revealed that his communication with Dhoni has been almost non-existent outside the cricket field. “No, I don’t speak to Dhoni. When I was playing for CSK, that’s when we spoke, but otherwise, we haven’t spoken. It’s been over 10 years,” Harbhajan said.
He added that even during his stint with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) from 2018 to 2020, their interactions were limited to professional, on-field discussions. “When we were playing in the IPL at CSK, we talked, but only about the game. He didn’t visit my room, nor did I visit his,” Harbhajan shared.
Cryptic Post Adds Fuel to Fire
On Wednesday, Harbhajan posted a thought-provoking message on X, stating, “Strangers can become best friends just as easy as best friends can become strangers.” While he did not directly name Dhoni, fans were quick to interpret the post as a veiled reference to their seemingly distant relationship.
The post came shortly after his candid comments, adding further intrigue to the situation and prompting widespread speculation about whether a rift exists between the two former teammates.
No Hard Feelings, but Emphasis on Mutual Respect
Despite the apparent disconnect, Harbhajan clarified that he holds no grudges against Dhoni. “I don’t have anything against him. If he has something to say, he can tell me. But if he did, he would have done so by now,” Harbhajan remarked.
He emphasized the importance of mutual respect in relationships. “Friendship is about give and take. If I respect you, I expect you to respect me back. If I reach out to someone and don’t get a response, I simply move on,” he added.
Changing Dynamics During Dhoni’s Leadership
Dhoni, who led India to historic victories including the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup and 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, is celebrated for his leadership. However, his tenure also marked a transition in Indian cricket, with younger players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma taking center stage. This shift often sidelined senior players like Harbhajan and Yuvraj Singh, which may have contributed to the growing distance between Dhoni and some of his former teammates.
Fans Left Speculating
While Harbhajan’s comments and cryptic post have stirred speculation, both he and Dhoni have maintained a dignified silence on the matter. For fans, the lingering question remains: is this simply a case of drifting apart over time, or is there more to the story? Only time may provide the answers.
