MUMBAI: Former Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds and Indian batsman Harbhajan Singh, who were at the two ends of the 2008 ‘Monkeygate’ controversy that rocked cricket, later revealed that they were close friends when they played together in the IPL. In 2008, Symonds complained that Harbhajan had called himself a “monkey” during a Test series in Australia. Symonds then played for the Mumbai Indians in 2011.
The player, who played for the Mumbai Indians with the duo, opened up to news agency PTI after Symonds’ untimely demise in a car accident on Sunday morning. He revealed that during the reunion, Harbhajan and Symonds hugged each other and apologized.
‘It looks like we were in Mohali for the match against Kings XI Punjab.
In the meantime we got an invitation to a private party. It was an unforgettable night. Everyone was in high spirits. Suddenly Harbhajan and Symonds hugged each other. Both were sighing. Our eyes filled as we watched the scene. It seemed that the two were trying to put down the burden that had been on their minds for a long time.
The two have clashed with each other internationally. With this history, everyone was very curious to know what the chemistry between the two would be like when they played together for IPL Mumbai.
But Symonds quickly merged with Mumbai. We really enjoyed Symonds’ presence in the team dressing room.
In fact, when Harbhajan Singh was leading Mumbai in the Champions League T20, while on the field, Symonds was very humble and asked Harbhajan where I should stand ‘- his words.
English Summary: Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds said ‘sorry to each other’, hugged and started crying: MI player narrates 2011 story