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S Sreesanth, the enigmatic Indian cricketer, is renowned for his fiery temperament and unorthodox playing style. With a career marked by triumphs and controversies, he has carved a unique path in international cricket. Known for his emotional antics on the field, Sreesanth's passion and flair have garnered both admiration and criticism.
Born on February 6, 1983, in Kothamangalam, Kerala, India, Shanthakumaran Nair Sreesanth grew up in a sports-loving family. His brother-in-law is Madhu Balakrishnan, a well-known South Indian playback singer. From a young age, cricket captivated him, and he displayed immense talent on the field.
Sreesanth's rise to prominence occurred through his performances at domestic cricket tournaments. He gained fame by taking a hat trick against Himachal Pradesh in a Ranji Trophy game, becoming the first Kerala bowler to achieve this feat.
His breakthrough moment came when he dismissed Sachin Tendulkar during the Challenger Trophy in October 2005, leading to a reported confrontation between the two players. Impressed by his abilities, the national selectors included him in the Indian team for the ODI series against Sri Lanka.
In March 2006, Sreesanth made his Test debut against England and immediately showcased his talent with impressive seam bowling. He continued to make significant contributions throughout his career but faced intermittent setbacks due to injuries.
Sreesanth's career statistics speak volumes about his impact on the game. In 27 Test matches, he scored 284 runs and took 87 wickets. His best figures in Tests are 5/40. In ODIs, he played 53 matches, scoring 44 runs and taking 75 wickets with a best figure of 6/55. His T20I record includes 10 matches, where he scored 20 runs and took 7 wickets with a best figure of 2/12.
Notably, Sreesanth was part of the Indian team that won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 and the coveted Cricket World Cup in 2011. He even took the winning catch in the final of the T20 World Cup, etching his name in cricketing history.
Described as eccentric by some commentators, Sreesanth's playing style was characterised by his aggressive approach to both batting and bowling. As a right-arm fast-medium bowler, he possessed an uncanny ability to extract movement from pitches and trouble batsmen with his swing and pace.
Although injuries hampered his progress at times, Sreesanth's determination and skill allowed him to regain form after each setback. He represented various teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), including Kings XI Punjab, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, and Rajasthan Royals.
Off the field, Sreesanth has been involved in several controversies due to his confrontational nature. The infamous "slapgate" incident with Harbhajan Singh during the inaugural IPL season brought him into unfavourable limelight. Consequently, both the BCCI and the Kerala Cricket Association issued warnings concerning his on-field behaviour.
S Sreesanth, with his fiery pace and ability to swing the ball both ways, has left an indelible mark on the biggest stages of international cricket. In ICC tournaments, he showcased his skills and played a crucial role in India's triumphs.
In the 2007 T20 World Cup, Sreesanth was a key member of the Indian team that created history by winning the inaugural tournament. One of the most memorable moments from that tournament was his stunning catch in the final against Pakistan. It was a high-pressure situation, but Sreesanth held his nerve and took a match-winning catch to dismiss Misbah-ul-Haq and seal India's victory.
Another major milestone in Sreesanth's career came during the 2011 Cricket World Cup. Though he didn't play in all matches, he contributed when given the opportunity. His best performance came against Australia in the quarter-finals, where he picked up two crucial wickets and helped restrict Australia to a below-par total. India went on to win that match and eventually lifted the World Cup trophy.
S Sreesanth is a fast bowler known for his aggression and ability to swing the ball. He was a genuine wicket-taker who could provide breakthroughs at crucial moments in a match. His primary role in the team was that of an attacking bowler who could penetrate the opposition's batting lineup.
Sreesanth's bowling technique was characterised by his high arm action, which allowed him to generate significant pace and bounce. He had the ability to swing the ball both ways, making him a formidable opponent for any batsman. His natural talent combined with his aggressive mindset made him a potent force on any surface.
While Sreesanth's bowling skills were his main strength, he also possessed decent batting abilities. As a lower-order batsman, he showed glimpses of aggression and could contribute valuable runs when needed.
Off the field, S Sreesanth has been known for his exuberant personality and charismatic presence. While some describe him as eccentric, others see his behaviour as passionate and emotional.
Sreesanth has appeared in several reality TV shows where he showcased his dancing skills, displaying yet another aspect of his multi-faceted personality. This exposure outside of cricket helped increase his popularity among fans across the country.
While controversies have surrounded Sreesanth throughout his career, it is important to acknowledge his growth and maturity over time. He has faced disciplinary issues and has been reprimanded by the BCCI for violating the code of conduct. However, he has also made efforts to rectify his behaviour and focus on his game.
Known for his aggressive approach and eccentric playing style, Sreesanth has left a lasting impression on both fans and fellow cricketers. His ability to take crucial wickets and his spirited performances have made him a fan favourite.
Sreesanth's unorthodox playing style, combined with his emotional antics on the field, has made him an unforgettable figure in the sport. While some may criticise his behaviour as eccentric or over-the-top, there is no denying that he brought excitement to every match he played.
S Sreesanth has received several accolades throughout his career. His outstanding contributions on the field have garnered recognition from various esteemed organisations within cricket.
In terms of awards, Sreesanth has been honoured with multiple Man of the Match awards in both Test matches and ODIs. These awards highlight his impact on crucial matches where he played a pivotal role in securing victories for India.
Additionally, Sreesanth was given the prestigious Arjuna Award by the Government of India in 2010. This award is bestowed upon athletes who have displayed exceptional talent and have brought glory to the nation through their sporting achievements.
S Sreesanth's career will be remembered for his unique playing style, emotional antics on the field, and memorable performances. From his early days in Kerala to representing India at international tournaments, he proved himself as a talented fast bowler with a knack for taking crucial wickets.
FAQs
What are some of the notable achievements of S. Sreesanth in his cricket career?
Sreesanth was an integral part of the Indian team that won the inaugural ICC World T20 in 2007, and he played a significant role in the team's success. One of his memorable performances came during the 2006 South Africa tour, where he took 8 wickets in a test match and displayed his prowess as a fast bowler.
How did S. Sreesanth's cricketing career impact the game in India?
Sreesanth's career played a part in inspiring young fast bowlers in India. His aggressive bowling style and success on the international stage motivated many aspiring bowlers to take up fast bowling and aim for a career in cricket.
Did S Sreesanth score any centuries during his career?
No, S Sreesanth was primarily known for his bowling skills rather than his batting prowess.
What is S. Sreesanth's life like after retiring from cricket?
After retiring from cricket, S. Sreesanth explored various avenues, including reality television shows and acting in films. He also expressed an interest in coaching and mentoring young cricketers to share his knowledge and experiences.
What was S Sreesanth's debut match in Test cricket?
S Sreesanth made his Test debut on March 1, 2006, against England.
