Australian cricketing legend Andrew Symonds died on Saturday night in a car accident. He was 46. His sudden demise triggered an outpouring of emotional tributes in the cricketing world. Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh also took to social media to pay tribute to Symonds. 

“Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of Andrew Symonds. Gone too soon. Heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. Prayers for the departed soul,” he tweeted. 

Symonds’ cricketing career was marred by the ‘Monkeygate‘ incident which happened during the 2008 Border-Gavaskar trophy in Australia and involved the Indian spinner. 

Symonds had accused Singh of racism, alleging that the Indian spinner used the word ‘Monkey’ during an argument with him. Singh dismissed the allegation and maintained that he never used the racial slur. They, however, reconciled when they became part of the Mumbai Indians franchise in the Indian Premier League in 2011.

Singh, in an interview with Sportskeeda, recalled how he and the Australian patched up with a hug after one of MI’s wins. 

“I remembered an incident when we were in Chandigarh. After playing a match that we won, we went to my friend’s place. There, we hugged for the first time and apologized to each other. We felt that the issue could have been sorted out in a more amicable manner. Both of us felt sorry. A lot of my friends from Mumbai Indians clicked pictures of that moment,” he told the outlet. 

Meanwhile, following Symonds’ death, Indian cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman also paid their tributes.”

“Andrew Symond’s demise is shocking news for all of us to absorb. Not only was he a brilliant all-rounder, but also a live-wire on the field. I have fond memories of the time we spent together in Mumbai Indians. May his soul rest in peace, condolences to his family & friends,” Tendulkar wrote. 

Former India batter Laxman wrote, “Shocking news to wake up to here in India. Rest in peace my dear friend. Such tragic news.”