“We had a long, long hug” - Harbhajan Singh opens up on Monkeygate scandal with Andrew Symonds from BGT 2008-09
Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has opened up on resolving issues with Andrew Symonds, revealing they shared a long hug after speaking about their on-field spat. The retired spinner feels the episode in the Sydney Test during the 2007-08 series was blown out of proportion.
Harbhajan and Symonds became fierce rivals during the infamous four-Test series contested in Australia. During the second Test at the SCG, the Aussie all-rounder accused the off-spinner of calling him 'monkey'. The spinner copped a three-match ban due to an alleged racial slur but it was downgraded after India appealed and threatened to abandon the tour.
Speaking to Code Sports, Harbhajan recalled how they spoke calmly following that incident and even won the Champions League title for the Mumbai Indians in 2011.
"We sat together for a long, long time and talked about it and at the end of the conversation we had a long, long hug and the picture of the hug became very famous in our chat groups. A very ugly spat became a great friendship. I think things happen for a reason. That Sydney thing should never have exploded like it did. We did sort out everything. We left the controversy behind. We won the championship together."
Unfortunately, Symonds died in a car accident in May 2022, leaving the cricket fraternity shocked. The late cricketer won several matches for Australia but disciplinary issues shortened his career.
"When I heard of his accident. I just hoped it was false news" - Harbhajan Singh
44-year-old Harbhajan Singh, who is currently in Australia for the series against India, said he would have certainly hung out with Symonds had he still been alive.
"I look back and just wish all that (Monkeygate) drama just never happened. I wish neither of us went through it. Andrew is missed every day. I was shattered by the news of his death. When I heard of his accident. I just hoped it was false news. I couldn’t believe it. When I was getting off the plane in Brisbane last week I thought that if he was still alive and living in Brisbane I would have gone to his place that night. Then we would have gone out. I just know that. That was how we were."
Overall, Symonds played 26 Tests, 198 ODIs, and 14 T20Is.