The Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans clashed at the Wankhede Stadium in a crucial IPL 2025 playoff-hunting match. Before the game, a lighthearted moment caught everyone’s attention. Sachin Tendulkar met Harbhajan Singh and Hardik Pandya, calling Harbhajan “Charles Sobhraj.” This sparked curiosity about who Charles Sobhraj is and why Sachin made the comparison.
A Story During Commentary
During the match commentary, Harbhajan Singh shared the story behind Sachin’s comment. He said that when Tendulkar saw his outfit that day, he jokingly likened him to Charles Sobhraj. Hardik Pandya also nodded in agreement. Harbhajan admitted he wasn’t familiar with Charles Sobhraj and was curious to know more.
Charles Sobhraj is a French national known for his notorious crimes. In the 1970s, he targeted Western travelers, earning the nickname “The Serpent” or “The Splitting Killer.” He allegedly murdered around a dozen people. His first known victim was Teresa Knowlton, a young woman from Seattle, found dead in the Gulf of Thailand in 1975.
A Notorious Criminal
Sobhraj’s criminal history is well-documented. He targeted students and travelers, exploiting their trust. His life story was adapted into a film called “The Serpent.” Sobhraj was imprisoned in India from 1976 to 1997 for his crimes.
Tendulkar’s comparison may have been triggered by Harbhajan’s attire that day, drawing a humorous parallel between the cricketer’s style and the infamous criminal’s persona. The lighthearted exchange between Tendulkar, Harbhajan, and Pandya added a human touch to the intense IPL match.