S Sreesanth’s commentary debut at the IPL 2023 will pique fans’ attention, and the fact that he will be reunited with Harbhajan Singh just adds to the intrigue.
A week from now is the start of the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL). The broadcasters are getting ready for the event, as have the ten franchises taking part in it. The official television broadcaster Star Sports has announced that former Indian bowler S Sreesanth will make his commentary debut with the channel during the 16th season of the lucrative Twenty20 (T20) home league.
The addition of legendary former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh to the studio and commentary desk makes Sreesanth’s presence there much more exciting. The notorious history between them is part of what makes the scenario so interesting. In IPL 2008, they were a part of a scandal that became known as the “slap-gate” among cricket fans.
Former five-time record champion Mumbai Indians were Sreesanth’s current team, whereas Harbhajan was with Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), renamed Punjab Kings (PBKS) (MI). A fight broke out between the two after they had competed in a match between their respective franchises. It has been stated that the former made a derogatory remark to the latter, prompting the off-spinner to smack him.
Teammates, including former Australian bowler Brett Lee and team owner Preity Zinta, consoled a distraught Sreesanth after he was smacked. While Harbhajan received enough of flak for his behaviour, the pacer also took some of the heat because, according to the fans, the offending pacer’s legendary antics were likely what pushed Harbhajan over the edge.
As a result, people have taken to social media once again to voice their opinions on the announcement that the two will work together again on commentary for IPL 2023. Many people think it would help mend fences between them, but others have expressed scepticism, worried that the two will get into another public fight.