Former India pacer S. Sreesanth recently opened up about the infamous “Slapgate” incident from the 2008 IPL, revealing why he chose not to retaliate after former spinner Harbhajan Singh hit him during a match. The Kerala cricketer said he has often been asked, especially by Malayalis, why he didn’t fight back despite his aggressive on-field personality. 

The incident occurred during the inaugural IPL season in Mohali, when Harbhajan, then captain of the Mumbai Indians, slapped Sreesanth after Kings XI Punjab defeated MI. Sreesanth was seen crying on live television, and the matter quickly became the league’s first major controversy. While the clash was reported widely, the video footage remained hidden for 18 years, archived by the BCCI and broadcasters.

The controversy resurfaced earlier this year after former IPL chairman Lalit Modi released the unseen clip on Michael Clarke’s Beyond 23 podcast, triggering reactions from fans and families involved, including Sreesanth’s wife and Harbhajan himself. Addressing long-standing questions about why he didn’t react, Sreesanth said Malayali fans in particular had criticised his silence.

“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 on a YouTube show with Ranjini Haridas.

The former pacer added that retaliating would have jeopardised the careers of future Kerala cricketers, who were aspiring to play for 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.

The resurfaced video showed Harbhajan calling Sreesanth over before hitting him. Senior players, including Mahela Jayawardene and Irfan Pathan, quickly intervened, preventing the situation from escalating.

Sreesanth’s wife, Bhuvaneshwari, expressed distress over the video being circulated after nearly two decades, stating that it revives old wounds and subjects their children to unfair scrutiny. She also demanded legal action against both Harbhajan and Lalit Modi. Harbhajan, who was banned for 11 matches in 2008, has repeatedly apologised over the years. Responding to the leaked clip, he criticised Modi for “selfish motives” and said the incident should have remained in the past.