Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh, who is part of the commentary panel for the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, found himself at the centre of a controversy on March (23) Sunday. While commentating during the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) match, Harbhajan made a comparison involving a ‘kaali taxi (black taxi)’ while referring to England pacer Jofra Archer. The remark didn’t sit well with social media users drawing significant criticism towards the former cricketer online.
The comment came in the 18th over of SRH’s innings, when Archer conceded two consecutive boundaries to South African batter Heinrich Klaasen. Harbhajan likened the pace at which the RR pacer was leaking runs to the speed at which a black taxi meter rises.
“London mein kaali taxi bohot tez bhagti hai, uska meter. Aur ye aaj Archer sahab ka bhi meter kuch aise he bhaga hai (London’s black taxis meter runs at a high speed and so has been the case with Archer today). He’s has given away lot of runs," Harbhajan Singh said while commentating for the match.
Here's a clip of Harbhajan Singh making the controversial remark over Jofra Archer:
The comment has sparked backlash on social media, with several users criticising Harbhajan and even calling for him to issue an apology.