Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth
Just when it seemed that Harbhajan Singh and S Sreesanth had finally moved past their IPL 2008 controversy, tensions resurfaced again.Sreesanth recently challenged Harbhajan, asking if the former Indian sprinter has the “guts” to step into the ring with him.
This statement came amid a new controversy linked to a recent advertisement that Sreesanth believes refers to the slapping incident.
From teammates to controversy
The origins of the dispute go back to the inaugural IPL season in 2008. After a match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab in Mohali, Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth, leading to one of the biggest controversies in the history of Indian cricket.The incident led to disciplinary action being taken against Harbhajan, while images of Sreesanth crying became one of the iconic moments of the tournament.Despite the controversy, the two continued as India teammates and were part of the teams that won the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup.
A reconciliation that seemed real
Over the years, Harbhajan has publicly expressed his regret over the incident, while Sreesanth has seemed to have moved on from the incident.In 2023, Sreesanth described Harbhajan as a big brother figure, saying that they had “always been friends” and suggested that the controversy had been blown out of proportion.
He also credited Harbhajan for his help with suspension tips.For many, it seemed like the relationship had been repaired.
Why did the issue resurface?
The latest fallout seems to stem from Sreesanth’s objection to an advertisement featuring Harbhajan, which is believed to be a reference to the controversial controversy.Sreesanth alleged that Harbhajan benefited financially from the advertisement and stated that he no longer shares a relationship with him.
He also revealed that he has blocked Harbhajan.The dispute no longer revolves around the original incident alone, but rather over how this incident continues to be revisited years later.
Family influence
The controversy also extended beyond former cricketers. Harbhajan had previously revealed that he was deeply emotional when he met Sreesanth’s daughter, and she reportedly told him that she did not want to talk to him because he had beaten her father. The incident highlighted how that moment in 2008 still resonates years later, not only for the players involved but also for their families.
Old wounds reopen
Harbhajan has repeatedly apologized for the Slapgate episode, but Sreesanth’s recent comments suggest the controversy remains a sensitive topic.His challenge to Harbhajan is seen as a reaction to what he sees as continued public misuse of an incident that deeply affected him and his family.Nearly 18 years after one of the most controversial moments in Indian cricket, the relationship between Harbhajan and Sreesanth finds itself in the spotlight once again.