Border Gavaskar Trophy: Harbhajan Singh, Ricky Ponting crossover again on the field but in a new avatar - WATCH VIDEO

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh shared insights from a recent conversation with Australian cricketing legend Ricky Ponting, just before the Australia vs India second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy kicked off. The ongoing pink-ball Test, which began on December 6, 2024, in Adelaide, has drawn significant attention as both teams vie for supremacy in the high-stakes series. While serving as a commentator with the Hindi broadcast crew, Harbhajan delved into the details of his chat with Ponting, where the discussion turned to the Punjab Kings franchise in the IPL. Ponting, known for his strategic acumen and experience as a coach and mentor, shared his observations on the team’s performance, potential, and the importance of nurturing young talent for future success.

Harbhajan, a key figure in Indian cricket and a former IPL stalwart, added his own perspective on how teams like Punjab Kings can strike the right balance between experienced players and budding talent. The conversation underscored the shared understanding between the two legends on how the game evolves across formats, leagues, and generations. As the second Test unfolds, Harbhajan's anecdotes and insights provide fans with a glimpse into the camaraderie and exchange of ideas between some of cricket’s greatest minds, even amidst the competitive environment of international cricket.

Punjabi boy 🤝 Punjab Coach!

Always fun to catch up with old r̶i̶v̶a̶l̶s̶ friends! 😅#AUSvINDOnStar 2nd Test 👉 LIVE NOW on Star Sports! #AUSvIND | #ToughestRivalry pic.twitter.com/EsUKHWWwX3

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 6, 2024

🇦🇺 🏆 🇮🇳

From fierce rivals on the field to torchbearers of a legacy, legends @harbhajan_singh & @RickyPonting carry the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with pride! 🫡#AUSvINDOnStar 2nd Test 👉 LIVE NOW on Star Sports! #AUSvIND | #ToughestRivalry pic.twitter.com/d4LNF3TDom

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 6, 2024

"Aaj baat yeh hui ki Punjab ki team kaise banayi hai, maine toh yeh pucha. Puraane cheezo ke upar toh baat hui nahi. (today, I asked him that how the PBKS team is looking him. We did not speak about the old days). He (Ponting) said, 'mate, you're looking fitter than ever.' So, I told him that I am trying to stay fit and step out on the ground again, even though if it is with the mic," shared former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh during his commentary stint. 

Harbhajan Singh and Ricky Ponting share a fascinating history, marked by fierce on-field rivalries and memorable duels during their international careers. Their fiery encounters were a staple of India-Australia clashes, reflecting the intense competitiveness between the two cricketing powerhouses. Interestingly, the two legends also shared a dressing room as part of the Mumbai Indians setup in the IPL back in 2013, showcasing their ability to set aside past rivalries for the team's success.

Harbhajan has bowled 627 deliveries to Ponting across 40 innings in international cricket. Ponting managed a respectable average of 38 against the Indian spinner but fell to him 12 times, highlighting Harbhajan's ability to trouble one of the greatest batters of his era. This rivalry, rich with history and intensity, adds another layer of intrigue to the camaraderie they now share off the field as ambassadors of the game.