A relieved Harbhajan Singh said on Monday that he would come back a better person after being slapped with a 11-match IPL ban, adding that what he had done on April 25 during a match between his Mumbai Indians and the Kings XI Punjab was grossly wrong.
New Delhi, Apr.28 : A relieved Harbhajan Singh said on Monday that he would come back a better person after being slapped with a 11-match IPL ban, adding that what he had done on April 25 during a match between his Mumbai Indians and the Kings XI Punjab was grossly wrong.
"All I want to say is whatever happened and whatever I did was grossly wrong. Sreesanth is like my brother. We have played together and we will play together again", he said.
"I got punishment for whatever I did, but the board has always treated me like its child and I hope they will continue to support me. When I come back to play again, I will bring smiles to your faces," he promised.
It maybe recalled that Harbhajan thrashed Sreesanth after the match, which the Mumbai Indians had lost. Sreesanth, who was charged with provocation throughout the match, was let off with a stern reprimand.
After the press conference, former Indian wicketkeeper Faroukh Engineer, who presided over the hearing, got Harbhajan and Sreesanth to shake hands and hug each other.
"We are all human beings and mistakes do happen," Engineer said.
Engineer said that a 'very very fair' hearing was given to both parties.
"No track record has been taken into account because what actually happened is lot more serious than you guys think," he said.
He had good words for both Harbhajan and Sreesanth. He revealed that Sreesanth, who is such 'a lovely boy', remained quiet most of the time during the hearing.
About Harbhajan Singh, the former Test wicketkeeper said that in his view, he is the greatest off-spinner India has produced.
"But he stepped out of the line and paid the penalty", he said.
Bhajji's ban could not have come at a worse time for Mumbai Indians. With their captain Sachin Tendulkar already out of action, and now Harbhajan, the stand-in Mumbai Indians skipper sidelined, it would indeed take a miracle for Mukesh Ambani's franchise, if they hope for a reversal in fortunes.
ANI