The infamous slap-gate incident involving Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth has resurfaced, as former Indian pacer Sreesanth has challenged the spinner to a boxing match in the ring to settle this long-standing issue.
What Happened Between Sreesanth and Harbhajan Singh?
The ‘slap-gate’ rivalry began during the inaugural season of the IPL when Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth during a post-match handshake. As a consequence, Harbhajan was suspended for half the season. Since then, the relationship between the two players has remained strained both on and off the field.
Recently, former IPL chairman Lalit Modi released previously unseen footage of the slap-gate incident, reigniting discussions around it, despite Harbhajan's apology to Sreesanth. Additionally, Harbhajan appeared in an advertisement where he mocked the incident, further fueling the rivalry, as Sreesanth expressed that he is not willing to tolerate any more disrespect, insisting that he is the victim in this situation.
Sreesanth Throws Open Challenge to Harbhajan Singh
While speaking to Lallantop, Sreesanth was shown a photo of himself and Harbhajan Singh in boxing gear from a promotional event. The image appeared to spark an idea, as the former Indian pacer openly challenged Harbhajan to settle their long-standing "Slapgate" rivalry inside the ring.
“Does he have the guts to step into the ring with me? Can he sign up for a fight? I’m asking him — no acting, just gloves on and let’s see what happens,” Sreesanth said.
Throwing down an open challenge, Sreesanth added that if Harbhajan has continued to benefit from discussions around the infamous 2008 IPL incident, they might as well turn it into something bigger.
“Bhajji pa, this is an open challenge. If you’ve made so much from Slapgate, let us earn something too. Come into the ring. It’s a request from my heart. For all the Malayalis and Sardars, please come. I’m waiting,” he said.
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