‘We never liked each other’ – Harbhajan Singh makes huge statement on his rivalry with Ricky Ponting

Former India legend Harbhajan Singh was one of the players who was in the heat of battle against Australia. The 44-year-old in particular enjoyed great battle against former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting. The two players then became teammates during the 2013 season of IPL in Mumbai Indians. Ponting then coached MI after his retirement from the sport for a few years and won the 2015 IPL. 

During his chat with Star Sports, Harbhajan was asked about his relationship with Ponting as a player and post-retirement. The 44-year-old said, “We never liked each other and never got along during our active days as cricketers. The rivalry was fierce as we both were playing for our countries. However, the situation changed after retirement. We left everything on the field and now share a good bond.”

Harbhajan Singh also praised Ponting and called him a legend when he said, “Ponting was a big player and played well for Australia. I bowled to him for the first time in Sharjah, and our rivalry started from there. I spoke to him about the Punjab Kings’ squad.”

Two legendary cricket stars with iconic rivalry

First time Harbhajan Singh and Ricky Ponting got into each other cross hairs was during the ‘Desert Storm’ game in 1998. Then aged 17, Harbhajan had Ponting stumped by wicketkeeper Nayan Mongia and the gave the Aussie batter a send-off. Ponting wasn’t impressed and charged angrily at the young Indian bowler. 

Both players faced each other lot more times over the next decade and half. Harbhajan came out on trumps on most occasions. India’s former player has dismissed Ponting most times in Test cricket with 10 dismissals. In the ODI format, Bhajji as he is fondly called has taken Ponting’s wicket 3 times. 

Few years ago during an interview Ponting had expressed his surprise after becoming mates with India’s star spinner. The former Aussie skipper told CRICBUZZ “That’s a good part of the IPL, a lot of barriers are broken down between countries and coaches. I’d never have thought that Harbhajan and I could be good mates.”

Ricky Ponting parted ways with Delhi Capitals and will be seen coaching Punjab Kings. Earlier in the day Ponting, Harbhajan, and Rohit Sharma could be seen chatting away just before the start of the Adelaide Test match on Friday.