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Almost 18 years after one of the most infamous controversies of the Indian Premier League (IPL) history, Harbhajan Singh and S Sreesanth are again making headlines. Their old fallout from the 2008 IPL has come into focus after Sreesanth recently challenged Harbhajan for a boxing match.
However, Harbhajan doesn’t want to continue the old fight. He feels that if the two former Indian teammates spend some time together, they can sort out their differences and finally move on. ‘Attack him’: Harbhajan Singh's formula to handle Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Harbhajan Singh-S Sreesanth feud returns after 18 years
The controversy unfolded during the 2008 IPL, when Harbhajan Singh slapped S Sreesanth after a match. Sreesanth's emotional reaction on the field became one of the most memorable scenes from the first edition of the IPL. Harbhajan had to face strict punishment for the incident.
The former Indian spinner received an 11-match IPL ban along with a heavy fine. However, Sreesanth and Harbhajan both later shared the Indian dressing room and were part of India's successful campaigns in the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup.
The infamous saga returned recently when Sreesanth saw a picture of himself and Harbhajan wearing boxing gloves. He used the picture to openly challenge Harbhajan to enter the boxing ring with him. The former Indian fast bowler said that he wants to settle everything in the ring, which brought their old IPL controversy back into discussion.
Harbhajan Singh wants to end long-running feud with Sreesanth
However, Harbhajan was not in a mood to intensify the controversy further. The former Indian cricketer believes that being together in the same room could help both former teammates understand each other better and settle whatever remains between them.
Harbhajan Singh was quoted as saying by PTI: “If both of us are in the same room, a lot of things will get solved. I see it from that perspective. You can pick him as my roommate. I have no problems.” Amid this, Afghanistan officially ask BCCI to move India T20I to Ganesh Chaturthi.
Harbhajan Singh backs Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for 2027 ICC ODI World Cup
Meanwhile, Harbhajan Singh believes that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can still play in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup if they remain fit and continue performing well.
The former India spinner feels age should not decide a player's future. He pointed to Lionel Messi, who is still performing at the highest level at 39, as an example of how experienced stars can continue for a long time. Harbhajan feels the same can happen with Kohli and Rohit.
He stressed that if the two senior batters still have the hunger to play, maintain their fitness and keep delivering for India, they should remain in the selection discussion. The 46-year-old also revealed that his autobiography is ready and could be released later this year.
Harbhajan added, “Whoever the player is, I believe the marker should be performance, not age. Virat may be 39, but if he is still beating those 20-year-old guys on the field, it (his age) doesn't matter. Look at Lionel Messi."
"At 40 (39), five men fail to stop him. If a player has that kind of fitness and skill where even five opponents can't keep him at bay, then we know that skill always takes precedence.”
