“Not trying to insult or offend anyone” - Harbhajan Singh issues apology after being slammed for viral 'Tauba Tauba' video
Harbhajan Singh posted a reel video on Instagram featuring his India Champions teammates Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina after the India Champions beat the Pakistan Champions by five wickets in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) final on Saturday, July 13. The retired cricketers can be seen walking with some discomfort, suggesting their bodies were sore after playing the tournament.
However, the video didn't go down well with many people. Para-badminton star Manasi Joshi commented on Harbhajan's post, criticizing him for making fun of the walking pattern of people with disabilities.
Amid the backlash, Harbhajan deleted the reel video and posted an apology on the microblogging platform X (formerly known as Twitter). Clarifying that he did not mean to hurt anyone's sentiments, the cricketer-turned-commentator wrote:
"Just wanted to clear to our people (sic) who are complaining about our recent videos of Tauba Tauba on social media after winning the championship here in England we didn't wanted to hurt anyone's sentiments. We respect every individual and community and this video was just to reflect to our bodies after playing continues cricket for 15 days."
"SORE bodies..we r not trying to insult or offend anyone..still if people think we hv dones something wrong..all I can say from my side SORRY to everyone..plz let's stop this here and move forward. Stay happy and healthy. Love to all. Regards." he concluded
India Champions successfully chased down 157 runs against Pakistan Champions in the WCL 2024 final. Ambati Rayudu scored 50 runs, while Gurkeerat Singh Mann and Yusuf Pathan contributed 34 and 30 runs, respectively. Anureet Singh claimed three wickets in the summit clash.
"You don't know how much harm your behavior can do" - Manasi Joshi's message to Harbhajan Singh and Suresh Raina
Commenting on Harbhajan Singh's reel, para-badminton player Manasi Joshi mentioned that she didn't expect popular cricketers to post such a video on social media.
She also expressed her displeasure over fans appreciating the reel. Joshi wrote:
"Wanted more responsibility from stars that you all are, please do not mock at the gait patters of people with disabilities. This isn't funny. You don't know how much harm your behaviour can do an the appreciation you're getting from people around, it's appalling to see. This reel of yours is going to encourage that it is ok to make fun of walking patters of people with disabilities for a few laughs. More young children disabilities will be bullied by this reel.
"If any of you athletes would have done responsible community service in disability service area, you all would not have come up with this reel. I'm scared how the PR agencies of these athletes approved this reel for public platform. I'm really disappointed in you @harbhajan3 @sureshraina3 and all the people who in comments section who are appreciating this reel."
Several fans agreed with Joshi's remarks and opined that Harbhajan shouldn't have made such a video.