New Delhi: Controversial Kerala speedster Sreesanth, winner of 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 World Cup, has had quite a few controversies in his cricketing career, but ‘Slapgate’ incident in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 involving veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh became one of the most infamous incidents of Sreesanth’s career. The infamous incident dates back to IPL 2018 when Mumbai Indians (MI) player Harbhajan Singh slapped Kings XI Punjab player Sreesanth on the field in a heated moment after which the latter was seen crying. During an exclusive conversation with Glance Live Fest, Harbhajan admitted that he considers slapping Sreesanth a big mistake from his side and that he should have never done that. The off-spinner said that emotion was involved in the game which got the better of him.
If I have to correct one mistake, it was how I treated Sree on the field after that IPL match – Bhajji on slapping Sree in 2008 after the Mumbai vs Punjab match at Mohali. #BhajjiBoleSorrySree at @glance Live Fest pic.twitter.com/VMz8Y20ZmV
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) June 4, 2022
Back in 2008, ‘Slapgate’ had erupted as a huge controversy. Both Sreesanth and Harbhajan had maintained their distance after the incident, but it seems that the two have already buried the hatchet and have become good friends. Even after the unfortunate incident, Harbhajan and Sreesanth played together on multiple occasions. In fact, both star cricketers were part of India’s ICC 2011 World Cup win.
Sreesanth was perhaps India’s best in 2007-08 as he had the ability to trouble batters, not just with his bowling, but also through his actions.
Earlier in March 2022, Sreesanth announced retirement from all forms of cricket. His career went downhill when his name came up in the 2013 IPL scandal. In September 2020, the ban on the fast-bowler ended, concluding a seven-year punishment that was originally meant for life.
