It has been a long time since Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds became friends. During India’s tour to Australia in 2008, Harbhajan and Symonds were at the center of the infamous ‘Monkeygate’ episode. However, much less attention has been paid to how the two cricketers forgot everything and later became good friends.
During his stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Symonds played for the Mumbai Indians.
The former Mumbai Indians player recalled a poignant incident where Harbhajan and Symonds let their hair down for the first time during the 2011 season, hours after Symonds died in a car accident. According to the player, Harbhajan and Symonds hugged each other and apologized.
Harbhajan and Symonds were seen hugging each other tightly and sobbing after a match we were playing against Kings XI Punjab in Mohali. We had been invited to a private party and it was a memorable night. Everyone was in high spirits when suddenly everyone saw Harbhajan and Symonds sobbing and hugging.
Harbhajan remembers Symonds: ‘I could call him at 2:30 in the morning’
It was a sight to behold and both players were so emotional, saying “sorry” to each other. They appeared to be trying to release the burden they were carrying.” the player told India’s PTI news agency.
In 2011, Symonds joined the Mumbai Indians after three years with the Deccan Chargers.
Although Bhajji and Symmo have played against each other both internationally and in the IPL, many were uncertain how they would adjust to such a history. Everyone thought we would have to handle him when he touched base with MI, but he was a pleasure to be around,” said the former MI player.
“Sir, where would you like me to stand?” he politely asked Harbhajan whenever MI was fielding in the Champions League T20 that year.
Following 2011, Harbhajan and Symonds crossed paths again during the 2015 World Cup. While the tournament was being played in Australia, Harbhajan and Symonds spent considerable time in Delhi for a private channel as both were invited as experts. In fact, they sat together and analysed India’s semi-final against Australia in Sydney.