Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has opened up about the infamous 2008 IPL slapping incident involving S Sreesanth, revealing it’s the one moment he wishes he could erase from his career.
The Infamous IPL Spat
The incident took place during the inaugural 2008 Indian Premier League season. Harbhajan Singh, then playing for Mumbai Indians, slapped Kings XI Punjab’s Sreesanth at the end of a league match.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) swiftly responded by suspending Harbhajan for the rest of the tournament. Even after all these years, it remains one of the most talked-about controversies in IPL history.
Harbhajan’s Deep Regret
Speaking on R Ashwin’s YouTube channel, Harbhajan expressed profound remorse. He stated that if he could change one thing in his life, it would be that particular incident with Sreesanth.
Harbhajan admitted he was entirely at fault for what transpired. He emphasized that he has apologized “200 times” and continues to do so whenever he gets the chance, acknowledging it was a significant mistake he hopes never to repeat.
He explained that while they were opponents in that specific game, they were also teammates and the situation should never have escalated to such a level. Harbhajan fully accepts responsibility for his actions, even admitting Sreesanth’s provocation was secondary to his own poor reaction.
A Heartbreaking Conversation
The incident’s impact resonated deeply with Harbhajan, particularly after a recent encounter. He recounted a conversation with Sreesanth’s daughter that left him heartbroken.
Harbhajan recalled speaking lovingly to her, only for her to respond, “I don’t want to talk to you. You hit my father.” This simple statement shattered him, bringing him to the verge of tears.
He reflected on the negative impression he must have left on her, realizing she viewed him as the person who hurt her father. Harbhajan expressed his continued apologies to her, wishing he could somehow change her perception.
Hoping for Forgiveness
The former cricketer hopes that as Sreesanth’s daughter grows older, she will no longer see him in that light. He wants her to understand that he is her “uncle” and is always there to offer support.
It’s this lasting emotional impact, especially on Sreesanth’s family, that makes Harbhajan wish he could simply remove that chapter from his life entirely.
- Harbhajan Singh deeply regrets the 2008 IPL slap incident with Sreesanth.
- He has apologized repeatedly and takes full responsibility for his actions.
- A conversation with Sreesanth’s daughter, who said “You hit my father,” left Harbhajan heartbroken.
- He hopes to change her perception and be seen as supportive “uncle” rather than a past aggressor.
This personal reflection highlights the long-term emotional weight of on-field actions and the desire for reconciliation.
