Sreesanth’s daughter told me, I don't want to talk to you; you hit my father': Harbhajan Singh recalls IPL ‘slapgate’

By Admin

21 Jul, 2025

In the high-octane world of cricket, tempers can flare, and emotions often run high. But some moments leave a lasting impact one such incident being the infamous “slapgate” during the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008.

Recently, veteran Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh opened up about this controversial episode in an emotional and heartfelt conversation on R Ashwin’s YouTube podcast. The 45-year-old spoke candidly about the ups and downs of his career, and while reflecting on his journey, he didn’t shy away from addressing the one incident he wishes he could erase the altercation with fellow cricketer S Sreesanth.

The Incident That Made Headlines

During a league match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2008, Harbhajan, representing MI, slapped Sreesanth, who was part of the Punjab squad. The shocking moment, which unfolded at the end of the match, left fans and players stunned. As a consequence, Harbhajan was suspended by the BCCI for the remainder of the tournament.

Speaking to Ashwin, Harbhajan expressed deep remorse, stating, “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 continued, “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’.”

A Daughter’s Words That Cut Deep

While the incident itself has been spoken about over the years, Harbhajan revealed a moment that pierced him deeply on a personal level his interaction with Sreesanth’s daughter.

He shared, “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 is the 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.”

Harbhajan went on to say, “I keep telling her, ‘but if there’s anything I can do to make you feel better and make you think 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.”

Final Thoughts

Harbhajan Singh’s honest confession and emotional vulnerability serve as a reminder that even sports icons carry regrets and burdens that stretch far beyond the cricket field. The “slapgate” may have happened in a moment of heated emotion, but the lesson he draws from it is one of accountability, reflection, and sincere apology.

It also showcases how one moment in the spotlight can influence personal relationships for years to come especially when children and families become part of that narrative. As Harbhajan hopes to rebuild the perception in the eyes of Sreesanth’s daughter, it reflects a human side of sportsmanship, one that transcends rivalries and mistakes.