'Some people think I retired because Washington Sundar is in scheme of things now': R Ashwin's answer to Harbhajan Singh's 'Do you think I'm jealous of you?'

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Sports Tak

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'Some people think I retired because Washington Sundar is in scheme of things now': R Ashwin's answer to Harbhajan Singh's 'Do you think I'm jealous of you?'
Indian cricketers Harbhajan Singh (L) and Ravichandran Ashwin prepare to bowl in the nets during a training session at The National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore on February 25, 2011.

Story Highlights:

Harbhajan Singh made his last international appearance in 2016.

R Ashwin retired from international cricket during Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Harbhajan revealed that he did view Ashwin as his competition.

India's legendary off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and R Ashwin had a one-on-one chat on the latter's YouTube channel. In the podcast, both of them addressed the reports that Harbhajan retired from international cricket due to Ashwin getting prefernce. During the Test series against New Zealand last year, Harbhajan's "anyone can get anyone out on these kind of pitches" comment went viral. Many interpreted that he is taking a dig at Ashwin. 

Months after, the two sat down and had a conversation where Harbhajan asked Ashwin, "Do you think I'm jealous of you?"

“You are sitting with me today, and we have spoken at length. Do you think I’m that kind of a person?”.

 

 

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Ashwin did not give a clear answer but pointed out that even if he was, it was only natural. He also talked about a similar thing happening to me where people have speculated that Ashwin retired because Washington Sundar was getting preference.

“Even if you were jealous at one point in time, it’s justified. That is my point and I will never take it wrong. Because we are all human and naturally we’re bound to be like that. Some people think I retired because Washington Sundar is in the scheme of things now. All this is the perspective of other people,” Ashwin replied.

 

 

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Harbhajan offered further clarification. He said that there was competition between the two. Also, he recalled feeling that Ashwin would serve the Indian team for a long period.

“I just wanted to make one point very clear. When you came into the side and we were playing two spinners, I knew you’d be the one playing for a longer period of time. As a senior, did I think of you as a competition? Probably yes. I felt that I had to step up my game. But we’re sitting here today, and I think everything happens for a reason,” the Turbanator said. 

 

 

Retired from international cricket, still active in franchise cricket

Ashwin retired from international cricket midway through Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Since then, he represented Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Most recently, he led Dindigul Dragons to the final of Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2025. 

Meanwhile, Harbhajan will be seen in action in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, a league for retired cricketers. India Champions will begin their campaign against AB de Villiers' South Africa Champions on July 22.