Harbhajan Singh jokes about Shoaib Akhtar bashing him and Yuvraj Singh

Harbhajan, who celebrated his 35th birthday yesterday, appeared in India TV’s show ‘Aap Ki Adalat’ on Sunday and opened up about the interesting alterations he had in his cricketing career. The 35-year-old then went on to describe his spat with Shoaib Akhtar during the 2010 Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. India had defeated their arch-rivals by three wickets in a thrilling encounter with Harbhajan Singh hitting a six off the penultimate ball of the match to take India to the win. The Turbanator, then had an ugly tussle with Akhtar. Harbhajan said that although they had few fights on the field, they remained very close friends off it.

“Shoaib abused me a lot. He used to sit with us, ate with us. Since he was too close to us, maybe he used to take us for granted. He challenged me once to hit a six and when I hit a six, he was shocked. He then bowled two consecutive bouncers which I evaded. He then abused me and I replied back. But after the game, we sat together as if nothing happened.

Shoaib once threatened me he would come to my room and beat me. I told him come, let’s see who beats whom

Harbhajan Singh

“Shoaib once threatened me he would come to my room and beat me. I told him come, let’s see who beats whom. I was really scared. He is a great hulk. He once bashed me and Yuvi (Yuvraj Singh) inside a room. Since he was heavy, it was difficult to catch him,” Harbhajan said in the show.

Also, read: ICC proposals, the long due change ODIs needed

When asked about the infamous slap incident of Sreesanth during the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League, Harbhajan said he was guilty of slapping the cricketer.

“Actually, he (Sreesanth) did a ‘nautanki’ (drama). It was my fault that I did that (slapping) on the ground. I have admitted in all my interviews that I committed this mistake in my life.

“I was guilty in the Sreesanth episode, and I am ashamed even today, but the way he wept, as if I slapped him very hard. But anyhow that was something obviously which everybody will remember that I made a mistake. I am again saying, I’m sorry,” said the 35-year-old.

It’s good to see the way Virat conducts himself. I feel this is a brilliant way to take forward Indian cricket.

The cricketer also talked about the current Indian team and said that Test skipper Virat Kohli’s aggressive nature will help the team going forward.

“It’s good to see the way Virat conducts himself. I feel this is a brilliant way to take forward Indian cricket. Going to play with right body language, fighting it out for India with a zeal to get the right result, we need such a spirit which Virat has, whether it’s his own or he may have taken it from me. I feel it’s a great sign for Indian cricket, to take India to difficult heights,” he said, in the ‘Aap ki Adalat’ show

“In my opinion today India faces challenge from three big teams — South Africa, Australia, and England. I feel as far as other teams are concerned, we can win seven out of 10 matches against them,” Harbhajan added. 

Also read: Anil Kumble | Can the legendary bowler transform into a great coach?