'I could call him at 2:30 am' - Harbhajan Singh pays emotional homage to late Andrew Symonds

Cricket fans woke up to a disastrous piece of news on Sunday (May 15) morning as former Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds passed away in a car accident. This major mishap took place in the outskirts of the city of Townsville. With Symonds being one of the most celebrated Aussie all-rounders ever, his demise left the entire cricket world in dismay and tributes poured in from different corners.

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh was also ‘devastated’ with the news as he paid an emotional homage to the two-time World Cup winner. Notably, Harbhajan and Symonds had a history as they were indulged in the infamous ‘monkey gate’ saga during India’s 2007-08 tour of Australia. However, their relationship got better when Symonds joined the Mumbai Indians camp in IPL 2011.

Thanks to IPL and Mumbai Indians for putting me and Andrew Symonds together: Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan revealed that he and Symonds came closer in the IPL as he got to know more about the Aussie cricket star. He even stated that the Aussie star was ready to meet him even late in the night. “Obviously we’ve had a lot of history. Thanks to IPL and Mumbai Indians for putting both of us together in one dressing room. And once I got to know such a lovely human being and we became very good friends,” Harbhajan said on Star Sports.

“We used to sit together, have a drink, laugh, share a lot of stories. He was someone who I could call at 2:30 in the morning and say ‘hey mate, what are you doing, what are you up to, lets meet’ and he would be up for it,” he added. The former cricketer also revealed his first reaction after coming across the shocking news.

“I woke up this morning and saw my phone and I was shattered with this news that Andrew is no more. I still can’t believe Andrew is no more because he’s such a strong guy and whatever has happened is a very sad thing. My condolence to his family and friends and it’s a loss for all of us,” added Harbhajan.