Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has reignited one of Indian cricket’s most controversial memories—the infamous IPL 2008 ‘Slapgate’ involving teammate S. Sreesanth.
In a candid revelation, Harbhajan recently shared a deeply emotional moment that occurred years after the incident, involving none other than Sreesanth’s young daughter.
“She looked at me and said, ‘I don’t want to talk to you. You hit my father.’ That broke me.”
— Harbhajan Singh recently appeared on R Ashwin’s popular YouTube podcast,
A Flashback to IPL 2008: The Slap That Shook Indian Cricket
Back in 2008 during the inaugural season of the IPL, emotions ran high. After a match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab, an altercation between teammates-turned-opponents Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth made national headlines.
Harbhajan allegedly slapped Sreesanth, who was seen crying on live television.
he two players eventually reconciled, even appearing together in reality shows like Roadies and Khatron Ke Khiladi, suggesting that bygones were bygones.
However, Harbhajan’s latest comments highlight that some wounds run deeper than time can heal.
Harbhajan Opens His Heart: ‘It Was Wrong, I Regret It’
Harbhajan didn’t shy away from accepting responsibility for the past. “I am not proud of that moment,” he admitted during the podcast. “It was a mistake, and I have paid for it emotionally and professionally.
I apologised 200 times. Sreesanth and I have moved on, but when your child brings it up, it hits differently.”
Over the years, the two players seemed to patch things up. They shared screen time on reality shows, exchanged friendly banter on social media, and even posed for photos together.
But Harbhajan now reveals that the impact of that incident was more lasting than anyone imagined.
“We may have moved on as players, but when a child reminds you of your mistake, it hits you differently.”
He added, “I’ve made peace with Sreesanth, but that moment with his daughter reminded me that some things never truly go away.”
What’s Their Relationship Like Today?
Yes, Harbhajan clarified that he and Sreesanth are on good terms today. “We laugh, we talk, we’re cool now. But that one sentence from his daughter… it cut deep.”
While Sreesanth hasn’t yet commented on Harbhajan’s latest remarks, fans have praised Bhajji for his honesty and emotional maturity.
Why This Conversation Is Important
For fans, the Slapgate was a spicy headline. For Harbhajan, it’s now a reminder of how one mistake can echo for years—even across generations. He admitted, “It was wrong. I’m not proud of it. I’ve carried it with me.”
This moment is more than just a viral quote—it’s a powerful example of accountability, growth, and the emotional toll of public life. It shows that cricket, like life, is more than just stats and scores—it’s also about relationships, regrets, and redemption.
