Former Indian player Harbhajan Singh has paid a touching tribute to Andrew Symonds, who died at 46 in a car crash on Saturday night.
Harbhajan stated that he and the former Aussie all-rounder had put behind the shocking Monkeygate dispute and became very good friends.
The Turbanator and the former Australian player were involved in an ugly scene during the 2008 Sydney Test when Symonds respondent Harbhajan called him a ‘monkey.’
Although, they 2-later mended fences when they performed together for the IPL franchise Mumbai Indians(MI) and became close pals. In conversation at to press conference, an emotional Harbhajan said that the 2008 incident was just a little part of their story.
He stated:
“Whatever issues there were between Symonds and me in 2008, it was a different matter and something that happened during a match. I am thankful to the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the IPL. Due to them, we met again and played together for Mumbai, and I got to know him.”
Praise his former Mumbai Indians teammate, the 41-year-old explained him as a ‘lovely guy. Harbhajan recalled:
“We spent a lot of time with each other, trying to get to know each other better and we actually became very good friends. He was one of those guys, I could call him at 2:30-3:00 in the morning and he would be there for you.”
Symonds described Australia in 26 Tests, 198 ODIs, and 14 T20Is. Apart from that, he also highlighted 39 IPL seasons and even secured a century.
“Don’t remember Symonds and me only for the 2008 Sydney Test” – Harbhajan Singh’s statement.
Harbhajan lamented that he passed away way too young, describing Symonds’ sudden absence as a strange feeling. As a mark of respect for the late cricketer, he also had a request for everyone.
Harbhajan said:
“Don’t remember me and Symonds only for the 2008 Sydney Test. There were other times and moments where we enjoyed a lot with each other. When I was captain (of Mumbai Indians) and we won the Champions Trophy, even that time Symonds was part of the team. These moments are very close to my heart.”
Concluding his emotional tribute, the former India cricketer said:
“Andrew wherever you are, my brother, rest in peace. You’ll be missed. We love you.”
Rohit Sharma pens down a beautiful note for Andrew Symonds ❤️#cricket pic.twitter.com/IzfQQczmLI
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) May 15, 2022
Symonds’ death is the 3rd major tragedy in Australian cricket in a short period. In the Initial week of March this year, 2-legends of the match, Shane Warne and Rodney Marsh, passed away.
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