Harbhajan Singh Recalls IPL ‘Slapgate’: ‘Sreesanth’s Daughter Said She Didn’t Want to Talk to Me’

In the inaugural 2008 IPL season, Harbhajan Singh, representing Mumbai Indians, slapped S Sreesanth of Kings XI Punjab at the conclusion of a league match.

Harbhajan Singh Reflects on the Sreesanth Incident During IPL 2008

Harbhajan Singh recently appeared on R Ashwin’s popular YouTube podcast, where the 45-year-old candidly reflected on his cricketing journey — from his early years to retirement — and opened up about the infamous altercation with S Sreesanth during the inaugural edition of the IPL.

In IPL 2008, Harbhajan, who was playing for Mumbai Indians, slapped Sreesanth of Kings XI Punjab at the end of a league match. The incident led to the BCCI suspending Harbhajan for the remainder of the tournament.

Speaking to Ashwin, Harbhajan admitted that the incident remains one of his biggest regrets. “One thing I’d want to change in my life is that incident with Sreesanth. I want to remove that incident from my career. That is the incident I would change from my list. What transpired was wrong and I shouldn’t have done what I did. I apologised 200 times,” he said.

“What I felt so bad about was that even years after that incident, I have been apologising every chance I get. It was a mistake. We all make mistakes and we hope and try to never repeat such mistakes. He was my teammate and we were playing together. Yes, in that game we were opponents. But it shouldn’t have gone to that level where we behave in such a manner. So yeah, that was my fault, and the only fault of his was that he provoked me, but that’s okay actually. However, what I did was not okay. I said, ‘Sorry’,” he added.

Harbhajan Singh reveals conversation with S Sreesanth’s daughter

Harbhajan Singh went on to reveal the lasting emotional impact the incident had on him, especially after meeting Sreesanth’s daughter.

“What hurt me even after many years was when I met his daughter and I was talking to her with a lot of love and she said, ‘I don’t want to talk to you. You hit my father.’ My heart was shattered and I was on the verge of tears. I was asking myself what impression I’ve left on her? She must be thinking of me in a poor light, right? She sees me as the guy who hit her father. I felt so bad. I still apologise to his daughter that I can’t do anything,” he said.

“I keep telling her, ‘But if there’s anything I can do to make you feel better and show you I’m not that kind of person, please tell me.’ I wish when she grows up, she doesn’t see me in the same light. And think her uncle will always be with her and extend any kind of support he can. That’s why I want to remove that chapter,” Harbhajan added.

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