Just when it seemed Harbhajan Singh and With Sreesanth finally moved on from the infamous IPL slapgate controversy in 2008, tensions have resurfaced.Sreesanth he recently challenged Harbhajan, asking if the former Indian spinner had the “balls” to enter the ring with him. The remark comes amid fresh controversy surrounding a recent ad that Sreesanth believes is related to the slapgate incident.
From teammate to controversy
The origins of the dispute date back to the first 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 resulted in disciplinary action against Harbhajan, while pictures of a tearful Sreesanth became one of the defining moments of the tournament.Despite the controversies, the two continued to be teammates for India and were part of the teams that won the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup.
A reconciliation that seemed genuine
Over the years, Harbhajan has publicly expressed his regret over the incident, while Sreesanth seems not to have forgotten the episode.In 2023, Sreesanth described Harbhajan as an elder brother figure, saying they had “always been friends” and suggesting the controversy was overblown. He also credited Harbhajan for helping him with commentary tips.For many, the relationship seemed to have improved.
Why did the problem reappear?
The latest fallout appears to stem from Sreesanth’s objection to an advertisement featuring Harbhajan, which he believes was related to the slapgate controversy.Sreesanth claimed that Harbhajan benefited financially from the advertisement and stated that he is no longer in a relationship with him. He also revealed that he blocked Harbhajan.The dispute is no longer just about the original incident, but how that incident continues to be questioned years later.
Family influence
The controversy has spread beyond the two former cricketers. Harbhajan had earlier revealed that he was deeply affected when he met Sreesanth’s daughter and she reportedly told him that she did not want to talk to him because he hit her father. The incident highlighted how the 2008 moment continued to reverberate years later, not only for the players involved, but also for their families.
Old wounds are reopened
Harbhajan has repeatedly apologized for the slapgate episode, but Sreesanth’s latest comments suggest the controversy remains a touchy subject.His challenge to Harbhajan is seen as a response to what he sees as the continued public use of an incident that has deeply affected him and his family.Almost 18 years after one of the most controversial moments in Indian cricket, the relationship between Harbhajan and Sreesanth is back in the limelight.
