Seventeen years after one of the most controversial moments in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has once again addressed the infamous 2008 “slapgate” incident involving fellow cricketer S. Sreesanth. Speaking candidly, Harbhajan admitted that the episode still emotionally burdens him, especially after a recent encounter with Sreesanth’s daughter.
The Incident That Shook IPL’s Debut Season
The incident occurred on April 25, 2008, during the inaugural season of the IPL. After a heated match in Mohali where Kings XI Punjab defeated Mumbai Indians by 66 runs, an altercation took place. Harbhajan Singh, then captain of Mumbai Indians, was seen slapping S. Sreesanth on the field in a shocking display of aggression.
The situation reportedly escalated after Sreesanth allegedly made a comment that provoked Singh. The response from the BCCI was swift — Harbhajan was banned from participating in the remaining 11 matches of the season.
Harbhajan’s Repeated Apologies and Regret
Soon after the incident, Singh expressed remorse and apologised to Sreesanth in the dressing room, accompanied by players like Kumar Sangakkara. Over the years, he has continued to publicly apologise, with one of the most heartfelt confessions made during an appearance on Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube show.
“I’ve apologised 200 times,” Harbhajan had said. “If I could change one moment in my life, it would be that. It was wrong. I shouldn’t have done it.”
Emotional Encounter with Sreesanth’s Daughter
The emotional toll of the incident deepened when Singh came face-to-face with Sreesanth’s daughter, Sreesanvika, years later. Recounting the encounter, Harbhajan revealed:
“She told me, ‘I don’t want to talk to you. You hit my father.’ That broke me. It still breaks me.”
Harbhajan said he often tells his own daughter, “If I ever do something that makes you ashamed of me, let me know.”
Sreesanth on Forgiveness and Brotherhood
Despite the past, Sreesanth has publicly reconciled with Harbhajan. In a 2024 interview, he expressed no grudge, saying, “Bhajji pa is like my elder brother.” He clarified that his tears during the incident were due to emotional hurt, not physical pain:
“I cried because I let down someone I admired, not because of the slap.”
Legacy of ‘Slapgate’ and Ongoing Public Memory
The “slapgate” remains one of the most dramatic flashpoints in IPL history, reflecting the high tension and competitiveness on the field. Despite their reconciliation, the incident continues to resurface in public discourse and on social media, where debates about responsibility and sportsmanship are reignited time and again.
Both Harbhajan and Sreesanth have since moved on from their playing careers to commentary, public speaking, and veteran leagues. Yet, for Harbhajan, the need to redeem himself still lingers, shaped not only by public reaction but also by deeply personal moments.