'I saw you go and apologise to Sairaj Bahutule' - Ravi Ashwin recalls Harbhajan Singh's sportsmanship during Chennai Test in 2001

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, no sporting events are being played currently. Due to this, several sporting heroes are engaging themselves through Instagram live session option to provide some insights about the game to their fans. Recently, Ravi Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh got together for one such live session. During their interaction, the former Kings XI Punjab skipper talked about an incident of his ex-teammate and colleague, which left a great impact on him.

Ashwin recalled an incident which happened during the 2001 Chennai Test between India and Australia. The Tamil Nadu spinner mentioned that he never missed a Test match at Chepauk. The offie remembered the time when Harbhajan went and apologised to Sairaj Bahutule for dropping Matthew Hayden‘s catch off his bowling.

“I have never missed a Test at Chepauk… I might have played in them or watched it from the stands. So I was there during that Test. I saw you going to Bahutule (Sairaj Bahutule) and apologising for dropping Hayden earlier”, revealed the 33-year-old.

India’s ace spinner then said that his father pointed out to teach him a lesson about sportsmanship. “My father pointed out the sportsman’s spirit between the two players. He told me about how the players get along with the game and focus on the next ball. So it left a deep impact on me,” said Ravi Ashwin.

Harbhajan Singh himself was disappointed after dropping a catch

Harbhajan Singh then revealed that he was disappointed after dropping that catch as the Australian opener went on to score a double ton. The 39-year-old also said that Bahutule bowled well but couldn’t take wickets. Furthermore, Bhajji also mentioned that they were roommates back then, but Bahutule never talked about this incident.

“I was feeling disappointed because Hayden went on to score a double century. And Bahutule couldn’t take many wickets despite bowling well. But he told me to let go of it and said these things happen. He was actually my room partner during that Test but he never mentioned about the incident even after we returned to our room,” Harbhajan revealed.