Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has extended an olive branch to his former international teammate S. Sreesanth, suggesting that sharing a room together could help permanently resolve any lingering animosity nearly 18 years after the infamous 2008 Indian Premier League 'Slapgate' controversy.

The long-standing chapter between the two World Cup winners resurfaced recently after Sreesanth issued a public challenge daring Harbhajan to face him inside a boxing ring. Responding to the situation, Harbhajan made it clear that he harbors no ill will and is open to spending time together to clear the air once and for all.

Harbhajan Ready to Clear the Air

Speaking to PTI, Harbhajan proposed that proximity and conversation rather than combat would be the most effective way to bury the hatchet.

"If both of us are in the same room, a lot of things will get solved. I see it from that perspective. You can pick him as my roommate. I have no problems," Harbhajan stated.

Sreesanth's Boxing Ring Challenge

Harbhajan's comments follow an interaction where Sreesanth was shown a vintage photograph of the duo wearing boxing gloves. Reacting passionately, the former Kerala fast bowler transformed the moment into an open invitation to settle their past differences physically.

"This same scene, do you have the guts? Do you have the guts to come into the ring with me? Can you sign and come? Can you? I am asking him. Do you have the guts to come into the ring with me? Wearing this same gloves... This is not acting, I am smiling. You are not even smiling, I don't know what you are doing. Let's see. This is an open challenge," Sreesanth challenged.

The 2008 'Slapgate' Fallout

The tension between the two dates back to the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008. Following a fixture between the Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab, Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth on the field, leading to scenes of an emotional Sreesanth in tears broadcast across the globe.

Harbhajan received an 11-match suspension and heavy financial penalties for the incident. Despite the high-profile altercation, the two continued to represent India together at the highest level, playing crucial roles in India's historic triumphs at both the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup.