Slapgate, Lifting Nita Ambani, And... - 5 Times Harbhajan Singh Was Involved In Controversies

Harbhajan had an awkward moment with Nita Ambani (X.com)

Harbhajan Singh, one of India's most successful off-spinners, has had an illustrious cricketing career. However, his cricketing journey was filled with on and off-field controversies.

In the latest gaffe, Bhajji reposted Olympic gold medalist from Pakistan, Arshad Nadeem's fake account post, which highlighted his relationship with Indian javelin throw athlete Neeraj Chopra.

After widespread backlash, Harbhajan Singh edited his post to tag Nadeem's official account. Meanwhile, here are five times Harbhajan found himself in the middle of massive controversies.

5. Distasteful Tauba Tauba Video Mimicry - 2024

Harjana Singh with ex-IND teammates (X.com)

Meanwhile, following the World Legends League title win, Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, and Suresh Raina hopped on to the 'Tauba Tauba' trend to record a funny video. Their gestures in the video were meant to highlight the condition of their sore body.

However, fans took it out of context and deemed it a respect towards disabled community. Hence, after backlash, Bhajji issued an apology. He added that nobody in the video meant to hurt anyone's sentiments and urged fans to move on from the incident.

4. Monkeygate Scandal - 2007

Monkeygate scandal rocked IND-AUS relations (X.com)

Another major controversy that rocked the cricketing world was the "Monkeygate" scandal during India's 2007-08 tour of Australia. Harbhajan Singh was accused by Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds of calling him a "monkey" during the Sydney Test, a term that was considered racially offensive. 

However, Bhajji claimed innocence saying his words were misinterpreted due to differences in accents. He also alleged insult to his religion as Australians passed distasteful remarks on his turban. Harbhajan was initially banned for three matches before the ban was overturned, and he was fined 50% of his match fee. 

3. Awkward Moment With Nita Ambani - 2015

Harbhajan Singh's awkward moment with Nita Ambani (X.com)

Harbhajan Singh made headlines again in 2015 when he lifted Nita Ambani, wife of billionaire Mukesh Ambani, the co-owner of Mumbai Indians, during the IPL celebrations after the team won the title. 

The act was meant to be playful, but it was met with backlash from certain quarters who found it inappropriate. Many felt that the gesture was disrespectful and unbecoming of a professional cricketer. Harbhajan later apologised, stating that it was done in a moment of joy and there was no intention to offend anyone.

2. Poked Fun At Gautam Gambhir

Harbhajan Singh allegedly disrespected Gambhir (X.com)

Days leading up to the India-Pakistan Asia Cup encounter, Harbhajan Singh and Shahid Afridi were part of a TV show panel. Afridi opined that Gautam Gambhir’s personality is not even liked by his own Indian teammates. To this, Bhajji was seen laughing on the screen, which invoked a sense of rage amongst Indian fans.

However, Harbhajan Singh later clarified that his relationship with Gambhir extends beyond the realms of cricket. He was laughing at his clumsiness as he spilled curd over his foot. Gautam is his brother and he would never poke fun at any Indian player whatsoever on national television.

1. Slapgate - 2008

Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth (X.com)

The most infamous controversy involving Harbhajan Singh is undoubtedly the "Slapgate" incident during the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008. Harbhajan, playing for the Mumbai Indians, was involved in an altercation with Sreesanth, who was representing Kings XI Punjab. 

After a heated exchange, Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth, leaving him in tears on the field. The incident was caught on camera and led to widespread criticism. Harbhajan was banned for the remainder of the IPL season and was fined heavily. This incident remains one of the most talked-about moments in IPL history.

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