The infamous 2008 IPL “Slapgate” incident — in which Harbhajan Singh struck S. Sreesanth following a match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab — has resurfaced once again, this time through the voice of Sreesanth himself. Speaking on a YouTube show hosted by Ranjini Haridas, the former India pacer shared what went through his mind in that heated moment and why he chose not to retaliate.
Sreesanth, known for his aggressive on-field persona, has often faced questions — particularly from fellow Malayalis — about why he didn’t strike back.
“Many Malayalis have asked me why I didn’t hit back despite showing so much aggression. Some even said I should have hit him down to ground. If I had, I would have faced a lifetime ban. Kerala didn’t have that much power back then. I was the only one playing from Kerala,” he said.
The incident took place in Mohali during the inaugural IPL season, just after Punjab defeated Mumbai. While the altercation became the league’s first major controversy — especially as cameras captured Sreesanth visibly emotional — the actual video footage remained unseen for 18 years. It was only earlier this year that former IPL chairman Lalit Modi released the clip during an appearance on Michael Clarke’s Beyond 23 podcast, rekindling debate around the moment.
Sreesanth reflected on the broader implications of his restraint. In his view, striking back would not only have harmed his career but jeopardised the future of emerging cricketers from Kerala who were aspiring to represent India.
“Sanju (Sanju Samson) shouldn’t feel anything. Sachin Baby and Nidheesh (M. D. Nidheesh) shouldn’t feel anything. Because I didn’t hit back, a few people were spared. Don’t think I’m saying this out of superiority. That’s my reason. They’ve mentioned it in many stories. When we are powerful, we should use it to help others. My father always says, when we have power, we should help others, not show off in front of those more powerful,” he added.
In the leaked video, Harbhajan is seen calling Sreesanth over before slapping him. Senior players Mahela Jayawardene and Irfan Pathan quickly intervened to prevent the situation from escalating further.
The incident’s revival has drawn reactions from both players’ families. Sreesanth’s wife Bhuvaneshwari described the resurfacing of the footage as painful and unnecessary, particularly for their children who now face unwanted public attention. She has demanded legal action against both Harbhajan and Lalit Modi.
Harbhajan, who was banned for 11 matches in 2008, has issued apologies in the past. But in response to the video’s release, he criticised Modi’s motives, saying some incidents are best left in the past.
For Sreesanth, however, the moment — and his decision not to strike back — remains a defining one. Not just because it shows restraint under provocation, but because, as he puts it, it safeguarded the next generation of cricketers from Kerala.
