"Insaan hu, bhagwaan nahi": Harbhajan Singh's blunt statement on slapgate controversy

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has finally admitted his mistake and publicly apologized for the infamous “Slapgate” incident involving S Sreesanth that rocked the cricket world 17 years ago. The controversial moment from the inaugural IPL season in 2008 saw Harbhajan Singh lose his cool and slap S Sreesanth, leaving fans and teammates stunned.

The unforgettable controversy not only stained Harbhajan's reputation but also led to him being banned from the rest of the IPL 2008 that year. The incident has remained one of the darkest chapters in IPL history. In that season, Harbhajan was playing for the Mumbai Indians while Sreesanth was part of the Punjab Kings in the tournament.

Harbhajan Singh admits guilt over controversial “Slapgate” episode

But now, after nearly two decades, Harbhajan has come forward to publicly admit his mistake and express deep regret. In a heartfelt social media post, the former Indian spinner acknowledged his shame and guilt over the shocking outburst.

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Holding his hands up to accept responsibility, Harbhajan Singh revealed how the incident continues to haunt him even after all these years. He also asked the fans for mercy and forgiveness for his actions against the former Indian fast bowler on that day.

Replying to a video post where a fan commented on the infamous episode, Harbhajan wrote, “This wasn't right, bhai. It was my mistake. Shouldn't have done this. But Galti hui Insaan hu 🙏 🙏Bhagwaan nahi [I made a mistake, I am only human, not god].”

This wasn’t right bhai
It was my mistake . Shouldn’t hv done this . But Galti hui Insaan hu 🙏 🙏Bhagwaan nahi https://t.co/dXo5fMM86k

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) March 30, 2025

When Harbhajan Singh's slap left Sreesanth crying on Live TV

Meanwhile, Sreesanth had delivered an energetic performance, helping his team beat Mumbai. As the players were leaving the field, Harbhajan, who was Mumbai’s stand-in captain, suddenly slapped Sreesanth. The fast bowler was then seen crying on live TV, with his teammates comforting him.

The exact reason for the incident is still unclear, but some reports said that Sreesanth might have provoked Harbhajan with a few comments during the match. As a result of the slap, Harbhajan was banned for the rest of the tournament, and Shaun Pollock took over as Mumbai Indians' captain.

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In 2023, Sreesanth said that he has always been friends with Harbhajan. He even thanked the former spinner for supporting him since his early days as a domestic cricketer.

Sreesanth and Harbhajan Singh are now true friends

Sreesanth said on the Sports Yaari channel, “We have always been friends. That was just a misunderstanding, and the media made a big noise out of it. I will just say that Bhajji pa has supported me from the beginning in every way, including recently with commentary tips. He has supported me and helped me a lot, and I am very thankful to him. There is that song, 'Tere jaisa yaar kaha,' that is my relationship with him.”

On the other hand, Harbhajan had said last year, “What happened was wrong. I made a mistake. Because of me, my teammate had to face embarrassment. I was embarrassed. If I had to correct one mistake, it was how I treated Sreesanth on the field. It should not have happened. When I think about it, I feel there was no need.”