New Delhi, February 5: The excitement was palpable as India faced the chance to win the World Cup for the second time. However, just before the final match against Sri Lanka, a significant event unfolded. Ashish Nehra, who had been a key wicket-taker throughout the series, was suddenly sidelined due to injury. This left Team India with the challenge of selecting a bowling option. Enter Sreesanth, who had been out of the game for 42 days. When he stepped onto the field, India emerged victorious, claiming the title of World Champions once again.
This is the story of the often-controversial bowler, Sreesanth. Born on February 6, 1983, in Kerala, Sreesanth has experienced many ups and downs in his cricketing career. Initially fascinated by leg-spin, he switched to medium pace on his brother’s advice. After being selected for the Pace Foundation in 2000 and making his Ranji debut in 2002, he became Kerala’s first T20 player to represent India.
Sreesanth is a member of two World Cup-winning teams. He is often remembered for a catch he dropped in the 2007 World Cup final, but the 2011 final holds a special place in his heart, as it was a time of great challenge for him.
The reason was that Sreesanth spent most of the series on the sidelines. After a dismal performance against Bangladesh, his World Cup seemed over. However, due to Nehra’s injury, he was thrust into the final match. In an interview about the 2011 World Cup, Sreesanth shared, “I hadn’t played a match for 42 days. I was thrown straight into the World Cup final.” He recounted how Sachin Tendulkar personally called him over to bowl, which likely led MS Dhoni to decide to include him in the lineup.
Virender Sehwag recounted an incident where Sreesanth, after bowling a few overs, panicked and said he couldn’t breathe. He left the field, unaware he would be playing in the final. He had gone to the gym that morning, but later received a call from Harbhajan Singh informing him to be ready for the match.
Sreesanth himself was skeptical about playing, as he had been rested in previous matches. However, it was serendipity that granted him the opportunity to play in the final. Sehwag mentioned that Sreesanth was convinced to bowl with the assurance that if he didn’t, he might never play cricket again. Eventually, he returned to bowl after Tendulkar encouraged him during a drinks break, saying Dhoni wanted him back on the field.
Despite being part of two World Cup-winning teams, Sreesanth’s career was marred by controversies that limited his time in cricket. The 2013 spot-fixing allegations led to a lifetime ban, which was later reduced, leaving him devastated. After a lengthy legal battle, he was acquitted of the charges. Following his return to cricket in 2021, he played for the Kerala team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. On March 9, 2022, Sreesanth announced his retirement from domestic cricket.
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My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
