S Sreesanth has reignited one of Indian cricket’s most enduring rivalries by publicly challenging Harbhajan Singh to settle their long-running differences in a boxing ring, reopening a chapter many believed had been closed after years of apologies, reconciliation and shared success. The latest exchange comes amid renewed attention on the infamous 2008 IPL “Slapgate” incident and follows Sreesanth’s criticism of a recent advertisement that he believes revived a painful episode from his career.
The challenge marks the latest twist in a relationship that has shifted dramatically over the past 18 years. Harbhajan and Sreesanth were teammates during some of Indian cricket’s most successful years, playing together in the squads that won the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011. Yet their partnership has long been overshadowed by the incident that occurred during the first IPL season in 2008, when Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth following a match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab.
A challenge that has reopened old wounds
During an interview with Lallantop, Sreesanth was shown an image of himself and Harbhajan wearing boxing gloves from an earlier promotional event. The photograph prompted him to issue a direct challenge to his former teammate.
Sreesanth's open challenge to Harbhajan for a ring fight 💀
If you've got the guts, Bhajji, step into the ring. Enough with the ads.. pic.twitter.com/VQV5f7E1La
— Kohlistic🔥 (@Kohlistic18) June 18, 2026
Sreesanth said: “Does he have the guts to be with me in the ring? Can he sign (for a fight)? I am asking him, ‘Do you have the guts to be with me inside the ring, wearing these gloves, no acting.”
The comments reflected a broader frustration that has resurfaced in recent months. Sreesanth has alleged that Harbhajan benefited financially from a recent advertisement that appeared to reference the 2008 controversy. He claimed the former spinner earned between ₹80 lakh (approx. US$85K) and ₹1 crore (approx. US$106K) from the campaign and said the episode had reopened memories he believed had been left in the past.
Later in the same interview, Sreesanth intensified his challenge, stating: “Let’s see. It’s an open challenge. I challenge you Bhajji pa. If you have so much problem with the slapgate and are earning so much money from it, allow us to earn something too. Do come in the ring. It’s a request from my heart. If you have some self-respect, for all the Malayalis and Sardars, please come. I am waiting.”
Sreesanth has also said he no longer shares a relationship with Harbhajan and has blocked him on social media, signalling a breakdown in what had previously appeared to be a repaired friendship.
From controversy to reconciliation and back again
For years, the two former India players appeared to have moved beyond the events of 2008. Harbhajan publicly apologised on multiple occasions, while Sreesanth spoke positively about their relationship and at times described him as an elder-brother figure.
The two were frequently seen together at public events and cricket-related engagements, creating the impression that one of Indian cricket’s most notorious disputes had finally been resolved. Their shared achievements with India helped reshape public perceptions, allowing their World Cup successes to become a larger part of the story than the confrontation in Mohali.
That reconciliation, however, appears to have become increasingly fragile as the Slapgate incident returned to public discussion through interviews, advertisements and previously unseen footage.
Leaked footage and commercial references fuel tensions
The controversy gained fresh attention after former IPL Chairman Lalit Modi publicly released footage of the 2008 incident during an appearance on former Australia Captain Michael Clarke’s Beyond23 Podcast, bringing renewed focus to a moment that had largely survived in public memory through photographs and television coverage rather than direct video
When discussing the video’s release, Harbhajan criticised the decision to bring the incident back into public circulation. Speaking about the footage, he said: “But the way the video has been leaked, it’s wrong. It shouldn’t have happened. They might have a selfish motive behind it. Something that happened 18 years ago, people have forgotten, and they are reminding people about it.”
The emergence of the footage was followed by further debate surrounding the advertisement that Sreesanth believes commercialised the controversy. While the former pacer’s criticism has centred on the perceived monetisation of the episode, the dispute has evolved into a broader disagreement over how the incident continues to be remembered and referenced.
Harbhajan’s cryptic response
The latest chapter took another turn after Harbhajan shared a video on Instagram shortly after Sreesanth’s comments attracted widespread attention.
In the video, Harbhajan posted the message: “Kisine bohot khub kaha hain ki karne do jo log bakwaas karte hain, humesha khali bartaan hi to awaaz karte hain.”
Although Harbhajan did not mention Sreesanth by name, the timing of the post prompted widespread speculation that it was directed at his former teammate. Social media users quickly connected the message to the boxing challenge and the renewed public criticism.
A rivalry that refuses to disappear
Few incidents in IPL history have remained as persistent as the Slapgate controversy. What began as an on-field altercation evolved into a story about punishment, regret, reconciliation and, now, renewed confrontation.
Despite years of efforts to move beyond the episode, the latest exchanges suggest the incident continues to carry different meanings for the two men involved. Nearly two decades after the original confrontation, a dispute that once seemed settled has once again become part of cricket’s public conversation, with no indication yet that either side is prepared to let the matter rest.
