Ashwin Says Harbhajan Inspired His Off‑Spin and Manjrekar Critique Fueled His Comeback

Overview

• Ashwin, who spoke on JioHotstar on Tuesday, said he watched Harbhajan Singh’s Border–Gavaskar performances closely and copied Bhajju Pa’s action while playing gully cricket.
• He recalled that he first played under Dinesh Karthik in Under‑19s as a batsman and only gradually adopted off‑spin after modelling himself on Harbhajan’s character and skills.
• Ashwin described Sanjay Manjrekar’s post‑2011–12 Australia critique as a harsh but useful spur that made him work intensely for the next four years and earn later praise in 2015.
• He criticised James Anderson’s 2016 press remark about Virat Kohli as “below the line,” saying bowlers should still give credit when a batter produces a standout innings.
• Harbhajan used the same program to argue the IPL has reduced sledging by bringing players closer while endorsing limited, respectful banter as part of competitive sport.