Harbhajan Singh issues apology post backlash for viral 'Tauba Tauba' reel with Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina

The lighthearted attempt to depict the physical toll of the tournament was not well-received. (Image: X)

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has issued an apology following backlash over a video featuring himself and fellow retired cricketers, which was perceived as "mocking" individuals with disabilities. The controversy arose after para-badminton star Manasi Joshi and various disability rights groups criticised the video shared by Singh on social media.

The incident began when Singh, a part of the India Champions team that recently won the World Championship of Legends in Birmingham, posted a celebratory video on Instagram. The now-deleted video showed him, along with teammates Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, and Gurkeerat Singh Mann, limping while dancing to the Bollywood song "Tauba Tauba." Singh captioned the video, "Body ki Tauba Tauba ho Gayi in 15 days legends cricket. Every part of the body is sore."

"Tauba Tauba" featuring Indian legends. @harbhajan3 #CricketGully #TeamIndia #WCL2024 #yuvrajsingh #harbhajansingh #sureshraina pic.twitter.com/ltjSuZ5AXZ

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— Aussies Army (Parody) (@AussiesArmyParo) July 14, 2024

However, the lighthearted attempt to depict the physical toll of the tournament was not well-received. Manasi Joshi, a prominent para-badminton player, took to Instagram to express her disappointment. "Wanted more responsibility from the stars that you all are, please do not mock the gait patterns of people with disabilities. This isn’t funny," she wrote. Joshi highlighted the potential harm such behaviour could cause, including the reinforcement of negative stereotypes and bullying of children with disabilities.

Singh responded to the criticism with a heartfelt apology on X (formerly Twitter). "Just wanted to clear to our people who are complaining about our recent videos of "Tauba Tauba" on social media after winning the championship here in England. We didn’t want to hurt anyone’s sentiments. We respect every individual and community. And this video was just to reflect on our bodies after playing continuous cricket for 15 days. Sore bodies.. we are not trying to insult or offend anyone.. still if people think we have done something wrong ..All I can say from my side. SORRY to everyone .. please let’s stop this here and move forward. Stay happy and healthy. Love to all. Regards," the former cricketer clarified.

pic.twitter.com/mCMCquRbbZ

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 15, 2024

Despite the apology, the video continued to draw ire from various quarters. Indian para-swimmer Shams Aalam condemned the video, calling it "pathetic and unacceptable." He urged the cricketers to consider the impact of their actions on the disabled community. "Harbhajan, Yuvraj and other respected team members. We understand that body pain after events or practice but the way you guys are expressing it on social media is making fun of the disabled community which is not acceptable," Aalam wrote on Instagram.

Hopefully you will delete your Instagram video which is making fun of 1.2 billion disabled people in the world. @harbhajan_singh @YUVSTRONG12 @Media_SAI @PMOIndia @mansukhmandviya @MSJEGOI @socialpwds pic.twitter.com/jhLeY85ILg

— (@IamShamsAalam) July 15, 2024

The Paralympic Committee of India also weighed in, criticising the cricketers' actions as "disgusting and insensitive." They stated, "As star celebrity cricket players, you have a responsibility to set a positive example. Mocking disabilities is not just a joke - it is a form of discrimination. It is time for them to apologise for their actions."