Harbhajan Singh recently shared how his relationship with the late Andrew Symonds evolved from animosity during the infamous Monkeygate scandal to a strong friendship. The controversy, stemming from the 2007/08 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, had initially strained their bond. However, their time as teammates for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL helped them reconcile, ultimately winning the championship together in 2013.
Harbhajan revealed that their turning point came at a friend’s house in Chandigarh. Symonds approached him with a bottle of Bundaberg Rum, sparking a heartfelt conversation. “We talked for a long time and ended it with a hug, which became a famous picture among our friends,” Harbhajan said. “I’ve written about this transformation in my book, showing how an ugly spat turned into a great friendship. Things happen for a reason, but that Sydney incident should never have escalated the way it did.”
He added that they left the controversy behind and formed a close bond, spending evenings together during the IPL. “We had the best time together. It’s hard to believe he’s gone. I wish neither of us had gone through that incident,” Harbhajan said, reflecting on Symonds’ tragic passing in 2022.
Harbhajan Singh kicks off the World Tennis Cricket League.
The Monkeygate Scandal
The 2008 Sydney Test between India and Australia became infamous for the Monkeygate controversy. Andrew Symonds accused Harbhajan of racially abusing him by calling him a “monkey,” leading to a heated fallout. Harbhajan was initially suspended for three Tests, but the ban was later reduced to a 50% match-fee fine after legal proceedings.
The situation nearly led to India boycotting the tour. As detailed in Sachin Tendulkar’s autobiography Playing It My Way, Anil Kumble and Tendulkar led the team’s stand against the ban, asserting that Harbhajan’s words had been misinterpreted. Tendulkar clarified, “Harbhajan said ‘Teri maa ki’—a common North Indian expression—to Symonds, not intending racial abuse.”
Despite the tension, India won the third Test in Perth, marking a significant comeback. However, Australia retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a draw in the final Test.
Harbhajan concluded his reflections with regret over the incident but pride in the friendship they built later. “If Andrew were alive today, I know we would have spent time together, just as we always did,” he said.
