Business partners to 'strangers', how Dhoni-Bhajji's friendship faded over time

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singhrsquos recent comments about his relationship with MS Dhoni have stirred up speculation about a possible rift between the two Known for their onfield camaraderie during Indiarsquos historic World Cup wins in 2007 and 2011 Harbhajan revealed that he has not spoken to Dhoni for over a decade a startling admission that has left fans and the cricket community in shockIn an interview with News18 Harbhajan confirmed that he and Dhoni have not communicated outside the cricket field in more than 10 years No I dont speak to Dhoni When I was playing at CSK thats when we spoke but otherwise we havent spoken Its been 10 years and more he said This revelation marks a significant shift as the two cricketers had shared a close bond during their playing days particularly in the Indian Premier League IPL with Chennai Super Kings CSK where they played together from 2018 to 2020Harbhajan elaborated on his time with CSK stating that their interactions were strictly professional When we were playing in the IPL at CSK thats when we used to talk and that too was restricted to the ground After that he did not come to my room nor did I go to his he explained Despite their proximity in the dressing room during IPL seasons Harbhajanrsquos comments suggest a more distant relationship which has only grown colder over the yearsThe timing of Harbhajanrsquos revelations coincided with a cryptic post he shared on social media which further fueled speculation about his relationship with Dhoni On Wednesday Harbhajan posted a message on X formerly Twitter that read ldquoStrangers can become best friends just as easy as best friends can become strangersrdquoAlso ReadGone to rehab 14 timesrsquo Close friend reveals Kamblirsquos lsquoseverersquo health issuesWhile Harbhajan did not mention Dhoni by name the post was quickly interpreted by many as a veiled reference to the former Indian captain adding to the intrigue surrounding their strained relationship However despite the growing speculation Harbhajan has made it clear that he holds no ill will toward Dhoni I dont have anything against him If he has something to say he can tell me But if he did he would have told me by now Harbhajan remarked emphasising that any personal issues between the two are not based on animosityInterestingly Harbhajan and Dhoni were once business partners having jointly purchased an office property worth nearly Rs 15 crore in Mumbais Lower Parel in 2009 The duo acquired a 14160squarefoot office space on the eighth floor of the Trade World Building on Senapati Bapat Marg Despite their business partnership Harbhajanrsquos comments suggest that their personal relationship has cooled significantly over the yearsWhile Harbhajan emphasised the importance of mutual respect in relationships his remarks indicated that he values honesty and transparency A relationship is always about give and take If I respect you I hope you will respect me back Or you respond to me he said Harbhajan further explained that if his attempts to reach out are ignored he simply moves on But if I call you once or twice but dont get a response I will probably only meet you as much as I am needed to he added reinforcing his stance on maintaining healthy respectful relationships