"Insaan Hun Bhawaan Nahin": Harbhajan Singh’s Emotional Apology to Sreesanth 17 Years After IPL ‘Slapgate’
March 31, 2025: New Delhi – Seventeen years after one of the most infamous incidents in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, Harbhajan Singh has once again expressed heartfelt regret for the 2008 ‘slapgate’ episode involving S Sreesanth. The former Indian off-spinner took to social media to own up to his actions and offered a public apology.
“Galti hui, insaan hu, bhagwaan nahi (I made a mistake, I’m human, not God),” Harbhajan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), reposting an old video of the incident that had been shared by a fan asking for his reflection.
The moment, which took place after a match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab, saw Harbhajan—then captain of MI—slap Sreesanth during the post-match handshake. The shocking footage of a teary-eyed Sreesanth being consoled by Kumar Sangakkara became one of the defining visuals of IPL 2008.
As a result of his conduct, Harbhajan was banned from the remainder of the season. Since then, both players have publicly reconciled and moved past the incident. This latest post, however, is a fresh reminder of how even years later, actions in the heat of the moment can leave a lasting legacy.
“It wasn’t right. I shouldn’t have done that,” Harbhajan admitted, further strengthening his earlier apologies over the years.
Meanwhile, Harbhajan’s former franchise Mumbai Indians is off to a shaky start in IPL 2025. The five-time champions suffered their second consecutive defeat, losing to Gujarat Titans by 36 runs.
Captain Hardik Pandya reflected on the team’s shortcomings post-match.
“We weren’t professional in the field. We made basic errors that cost us 20–25 runs, and in T20 cricket that’s huge,” Pandya said.
He admitted that both batting and bowling departments fell short, and emphasized the need for the batting unit to step up in the upcoming games.
Harbhajan Singh, Sreesanth, Slapgate, IPL 2008, IPL controversy, Harbhajan apology, IPL viral moments, Harbhajan Sreesanth reconciliation, Mumbai Indians, Hardik Pandya, Gujarat Titans, IPL 2025
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