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Real Reason Revealed: Why Harbhajan Slapped Sreesanth After MI Vs KXIP IPL 2008 Match

Debashis Sarangi

Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth in IPL 2008 [Source: @logicalgabbar/X]Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth in IPL 2008 [Source: @logicalgabbar/X]

The infamous Slapgate between former Indian cricketers Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth recently resurfaced after the founder of the IPL, Lalit Modi, released unseen footage of the incident in his podcast with Michael Clarke. The controversy that rocked the inaugural IPL season has become a hot topic for discussion among cricket fanatics. 

What Happened Between Harbhajan Singh And Sreesanth?

The incident occurred after Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) defeated Mumbai Indians in a one-sided face-off by 66 runs. Batting first, Punjab posted a challenging total of 182 runs before restricting Mumbai to a meagre 116-run total in 20 overs. 

Harbhajan and Sreesanth were impressive with the ball for their respective teams. Harbhajan, leading MI in the absence of Sachin Tendulkar, bagged three wickets, while Sreesanth took two crucial scalps, ensuring Punjab's smooth victory. 

Now, regarding the Slapgate scandal, Harbhajan was seen hitting Sreesanth directly on his right cheek. Although the concrete reason behind Harbhajan's aggressive behaviour wasn't revealed back then, ESPNCricinfo had claimed that MI's stand-in captain was disappointed with Sreesanth's on-field behaviour during the second innings. 

Apart from exchanging a few words with Mumbai's in-form batter Robin Uthappa, Sreesanth gave fiery send-offs to several MI players after dismissing them. Thus, when the fast bowler teased Harbhajan with a cheeky line, "Hard luck", the MI spinner lost his cool and replied to him with a slap. 

The Aftermath Of Slapgate Incident

While Sreesanth cried on live TV, Harbhajan refused to comment on the matter in the post-match presentation. However, the IPL governing council found Harbhajan guilty of breaching the code of conduct and imposed a ban on the legendary spinner for the remainder of the season. Having said that, both players have moved on from the incident and currently share a friendly and affectionate bond.