Notorious ‘gaps’ Controversy from the first edition Indian Premier League (IPL) nearly two decades later, it continues to cast a shadow. What seemed to be a chapter passed by both the players has become a talking point again after fresh comments from the former India fast bowler. S Sreesanth.
Over the years, Sreesanth and Harbhajan Singh seemed to have restored their relationship. The duo shared public platforms, appeared together at promotional events and often spoke respectfully of each other. However, recent developments have reopened old wounds and brought one of Indian cricket’s most controversial events back into the limelight.
S Sreesanth challenges Harbhajan Singh openly
During his recent appearance on the Lallantop show, Sreesanth was shown an old photo of himself and Harbhajan in boxing gear. The picture sparked an emotional reaction from the former India pacer, who took the opportunity to openly challenge his former teammate. Sreesanth questioned whether Harbhajan would be ready to face him in a real contest and insisted that he was ready to resolve their differences directly, rather than through public comments or advertisements.
“Same scene, do you have the courage? Do you have the courage to enter the ring with me? Can you sign and come? I ask him. Do you have the courage to enter the ring with me? Wearing the same gloves. It’s not acting, I’m smiling. You’re not smiling at all, I don’t know what I’m doing now.” Bear Knuckle Fight League and I’m also one of the main sponsors of Conor McGregor’s video, so I’m also wrapping up the promotion, Bhajji. Sreesanth said.
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Old wounds have been reopened since the last commercial
The latest war of words stems from a recently released advertisement featuring Harbhajan. IPL 2008 event. Although the ad did not mention Sreesanth directly, the former Kerala educationist expressed his displeasure and accused Harbhajan of making light of a painful episode in his career.
According to Sreesanth, he cut ties with Harbhajan again and even blocked him after the commercial. He also alleged that the ex-spinner has benefited financially by revisiting the dispute. Doubling down on his remarks, Sreesanth urged Harbhajan to resolve the issues face to face and not through indirect references.
“I challenge you, Bhajji. If you have so much trouble with slapping and me and you win so much…let me win too. Come to the ring. I call you heartily. If we have any self-respect, let’s not do publicity and all that. Really, for all Malayalis and all Sardars, come.” he said.
The original “Slapgate” took place after an IPL match amid the controversy Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab In 2008, Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth after a game. The incident resulted in disciplinary action against Harbhajan and became one of the most talked about moments in IPL history.
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