Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has publicly confirmed a long-rumored rift with his former teammate MS Dhoni, stating that the two have not communicated for over a decade.
This revelation comes during an interview with News18, where Harbhajan candidly discussed the state of their relationship, which has been a topic of speculation among fans and analysts alike.
Harbhajan revealed that he hasn’t spoken to Dhoni since their time together at the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
He noted, “No, I don’t speak to Dhoni. When I was playing at CSK, that’s when we spoke, but otherwise, we haven’t spoken. It’s been 10 years and more”.
Limited Interaction: During their time at CSK, their conversations were primarily focused on cricket-related matters.
Harbhajan mentioned that they did not socialize outside of the game, stating, “He didn’t come to my room, and I didn’t go to his”. This limited interaction has contributed to the growing distance between the two.
Despite the lack of communication, Harbhajan emphasized that he holds no ill feelings towards Dhoni.
He expressed a willingness for dialogue, saying, “I don’t have anything against him. If he has something to say, he can tell me”. However, he also noted that he prefers to reach out only to those who respond to his calls.
Both cricketers played pivotal roles in India’s success during the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup.
Their contributions were instrumental in securing these victories under Dhoni’s captaincy. Harbhajan’s bowling was crucial in both tournaments, taking seven wickets in the T20 World Cup and nine in the ODI World Cup.
The relationship between Harbhajan and Dhoni appears to have shifted significantly since their playing days.
After India’s 2011 World Cup win, Harbhajan’s role in the national team diminished, and he was sidelined from international cricket after 2015. This change may have affected their relationship as well.