Ravichandran Ashwin has officially put to rest years of speculation surrounding his relationship with fellow off-spinner Harbhajan Singh. In the premiere of his new chat series Kutti Stories with Ash, Ashwin invited Harbhajan for an open and honest conversation that tackled media-driven gossip about rivalry, jealousy, and personal friction—offering fans a rare glimpse into their mutual respect and shared history.
The core of their conversation revolved around public perception. Ashwin addressed how narratives around jealousy and tension had taken root in media and fan circles, often based on assumptions rather than facts. “People say things from their own perspective,” Ashwin said, questioning the idea that a competitive sportsperson’s success must always come at the emotional cost of another.
Harbhajan, with characteristic directness, responded, “Do you think I’m jealous of you?” He emphasized that the narrative had never reflected reality. The warmth between the two was evident, and both cricketers used the platform to clear misconceptions rather than fuel speculation. Harbhajan stressed that he had always respected Ashwin’s craft and success, and that there had never been any personal animosity, despite what was often portrayed.
Ashwin also reflected on the transitional period in Indian cricket when he was emerging and Harbhajan was nearing the twilight of his international career. He acknowledged that professional overlap often invites comparisons, but clarified that he never viewed Harbhajan as a rival—only as someone whose achievements had paved the way. “Even if jealousy existed for a moment, that’s human,” Ashwin admitted, “but we never disrespected each other. That’s the truth.”
The episode also subtly touched on broader themes: how sports media frequently builds stories on fragments, and how fans often misinterpret normal competitive dynamics. The candid discussion between two greats of Indian spin bowling offered a powerful counter to the idea that generational shifts in sport must be acrimonious.
Importantly, Ashwin and Harbhajan used the opportunity to reinforce the need for greater empathy and understanding among cricket audiences. Harbhajan even joked about how online platforms had blown things out of proportion over the years, turning normal professional competition into “imaginary feuds.”
The launch of Kutti Stories with Ash thus opened not with controversy, but with clarity. It showed Ashwin as a thoughtful host unafraid to tackle uncomfortable subjects, and Harbhajan as a veteran unbothered by noise. Together, they offered a lesson in maturity, friendship, and how public figures can reclaim their narrative from gossip mills.
The episode concluded on a warm note, with both players expressing admiration for each other’s contributions to Indian cricket. The message was loud and clear: rivalry was never personal—it was simply cricket.