Speculations about a strained bond between former Indian cricket icons MS Dhoni and Harbhajan Singh have circulated for years, but the ex-spinner recently shed light on their fractured relationship. In a candid conversation, Harbhajan openly acknowledged that he and Dhoni no longer keep in touch. Surprisingly, he disclosed that it's been over a decade since they had a meaningful conversation.
Even during Harbhajan's stint with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL from 2018 to 2020, their interactions were strictly limited to game-related discussions on the field. Harbhajan hinted that Dhoni might have reasons for this distance, though he himself holds no ill will toward the former captain.
Reflecting on their strained ties, Harbhajan reportedly stated that they haven’t spoken outside of professional settings in years. He revealed that while at CSK, their conversations were confined to cricket matters during matches.
"No, I don't speak to Dhoni. When I was playing at CSK, that's when we spoke, but otherwise, we haven't spoken. It's been 10 years and more. I have no reason; perhaps he does. I don't know what the reasons are. When we were playing in the IPL at CSK, that's when we used to talk, and that, too, was restricted to the ground. After that, he did not come to my room, nor did I go to his," he shared in an interview with CricketNext, subtly confirming the cracks in their bond.
The spinner also implied that he had made attempts to bridge the gap but was met with silence. Consequently, he chose to stop trying.
Harbhajan explained, "I don't have anything against him. If he has something to say, he can tell me. But if he did, he would have told me by now. I never tried to call him because I have a lot of passion. I only ring up those who pick up my calls. I don't have the time otherwise."
Elaborating further, Harbhajan pointed out his approach to relationships:"I stay in touch with the ones I am friends with. A relationship is always about give and take. If I respect you, I hope you will respect me back. Or you respond to me. But if I call you once or twice but don't get a response, I will probably only meet you as much as I am needed to."
This rare insight into their estranged relationship has intrigued cricket fans, leaving many wondering what led to the growing distance between these two legends of Indian cricket.