R Ashwin Best Off-Spinner In The World, No Jealousy Between Us: Harbhajan Singh

Veteran India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has dismissed claims of ‘jealously’ with Ravichandran Ashwin, saying he is the best-off spinner in the world at the moment. Ashwin had proved himself as a perfect replacement for Harbhajan Singh and filled up his boots after the 2011 World Cup as the lone off-spinner for the side. His consistent performances helped him cement his place in the ODIs.

However, after Harbhajan Singh lost his spot, there were vague claim of jealously between both players, who have been an integral part of the side. In an Instagram Live, said he wants to call out such people, who spread false alarms and tell them ‘there is nothing like that’.

R Ashwin best off-spinner in the world: Harbhajan Singh

R Ashwin has picked up 150 wickets in ODIs at an average over 32.91. He was, however, overlooked from the side after the rise of wrist spinning duo Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav. Ashwin played one a single Test in the tour of New Zealand earlier this year, but Harbhajan rates him higher than Australia’s most successful off-spinner Nathan Lyon.

“A lot of people would say that there is a lot of jealousy between us. But I would want to call out to those detractors and say there is nothing like that. Ashwin is the best offie in the world right now. I also rate Nathan Lyon highly,” Harbhajan said.

“The Aussie (offie) is also up there because he has done extremely well for himself given the fact that he comes from Australia where the pitches hardly aid spinners. But Ashwin is a legend in the making. Going forward, I only want him to stay fit because he is capable of taking a lot more wickets and could finish among the highest wicket-takers in the world,” Harbhajan signed off.