‘Don’t want to talk to you, you hit my dad’: Harbhajan Singh recalls emotional conversation with Sreesanth’s daughter

Emotions in sports can be intense. One moment of anger can follow an athlete for years. Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh recently opened up about such a moment. He shared a story involving Sreesanth’s daughter that took him back to the infamous IPL 2008 “Slapgate” incident.

“You Hit My Dad, I Don’t Want to Talk to You”

Speaking on a podcast, Harbhajan recalled meeting Sreesanth’s young daughter. The girl, without hesitation, told him, “I don’t want to talk to you. You hit my dad.” That sentence stunned him. Though the child was too young to witness the incident herself, she had learned about it over the years.

Harbhajan said the comment felt like a punch to the gut. He was left speechless and emotional. “That moment stayed with me,” he admitted. “It reminded me of how one bad decision can echo for years.”

What Happened in IPL 2008?

The 2008 IPL season had just begun. Harbhajan Singh was playing for Mumbai Indians, while S. Sreesanth represented Kings XI Punjab. After a heated match, Harbhajan allegedly slapped Sreesanth. Cameras caught Sreesanth in tears after the incident, and the clip went viral.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reacted quickly. Harbhajan received an 11-match suspension. It was one of the most talked-about controversies in the early years of the IPL.

The Public and Personal Impact

While both cricketers continued playing after the incident, the emotional impact lasted. Harbhajan apologized publicly. Sreesanth said he forgave him. However, the memory of the slap remained in public discussion for years.

That’s why Harbhajan’s meeting with Sreesanth’s daughter hit so hard. The little girl’s comment was honest and simple, yet it carried so much weight. It showed how deeply a moment can affect not just players, but also their families.

Harbhajan’s Reflection on the Moment

Harbhajan admitted he felt shame when the child spoke those words. “I didn’t know what to say. I just stood there,” he said. That moment, years after the original incident, made him reflect again on his actions.

He said it served as a lesson. “We must control our emotions. No match or argument is worth hurting someone,” he shared. It reminded him that athletes are not just professionals — they’re role models whose behavior affects others.

Time Heals, and So Can Forgiveness

Over the years, Harbhajan and Sreesanth have moved on. They’ve shared stages, appeared on shows, and even laughed about the past. Their interactions in recent years have shown that they’ve left the fight behind.

Harbhajan has expressed gratitude that Sreesanth forgave him. “He showed a big heart,” he said. “Not everyone does that.”

Their reconciliation speaks volumes. It shows that people can grow. They can learn from mistakes and rebuild friendships.

Public Incidents Have Private Consequences

This story isn’t just about a slap. It’s about how one act can echo far beyond the field. Athletes live in the spotlight. Their actions are recorded, shared, and remembered — sometimes for generations.

Harbhajan realized this when a child, who wasn’t even born in 2008, brought up the incident. It showed how public memory works in today’s world. Videos stay online. Stories get passed down. For famous figures, even a single mistake can shape how others see them.

A Lesson for Young Athletes

Harbhajan’s story offers a valuable lesson. Talent and fame can fade, but character leaves a lasting mark. Athletes should remember that emotions are powerful. In tough moments, what you choose to do can shape your legacy.

His willingness to speak about the experience shows maturity. Instead of hiding from his mistake, he chose to share it. He wants others to learn from it — especially the next generation of cricketers.

Final Thoughts: One Sentence, Many Lessons

The words, “You hit my dad,” were simple. But they held years of emotion, regret, and reflection. Harbhajan’s encounter with Sreesanth’s daughter proved that even when wounds heal, memories remain.

Yet, it also shows the power of forgiveness and accountability. Harbhajan accepted his mistake. Sreesanth forgave him. And both moved on — as better people.

This moment reminds us that sports aren’t just about wins or losses. They’re about people, relationships, and growth.