5 players with a history of disciplinary issues in the IPL

2) Harbhajan Singh

Ambati Rayudu (L) and Harbhajan Singh during the incident

The Indian off-spinner is one of the most fascinating characters in cricket with his sheer aggression and intensity on the field. The name of Harbhajan Singh is also quite synonymous when it comes to on-field controversies. Over the years, he has had a number of heated on-field moments in his career.

In the inaugural edition of the IPL, the Punjab-born cricketer allegedly went a step too far when he slapped his national teammate S. Sreesanth after a match between the Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab. The incident created such a furore that it needed a judicial probe to be resolved.

In this year’s IPL, the 35-year-old also produced some moments of controversy during the Mumbai Indians’ match against newcomers Rising Pune Supergiants at Pune. Mumbai’s ordinary fielding had helped Pune to get off to a flying start, and in Harbhajan’s second over Ambati Rayudu couldn’t save a certain boundary despite putting in a dive, which irked the bowler.

Harbhajan gestured with his hands to the fielder and yelled at him, which prompted the fielder to charge towards the spinner. It was very evident that Rayudu wasn’t pleased with the behaviour of the senior. However, this time, the issue was limited to a verbal battle.