Sreesanth has been the most frustrating Indian cricketer in recent times. Some see the rare gifts he's been given as a swing bowler and declare he's a main-event talent who deserves considerate treatment.
Not so, say others. They contend he is an under-card comedy act at best and a petulant drama queen at other times. Whichever view you subscribe to, there's no denying he makes for compelling screening. As with a train-smash, it's difficult to turn away even when better judgment suggests you should. But this may well be a thing of the past. Sreesanth insists the days of excess are behind him; at 27, he is determined to mine his ability diligently to become what he has always wanted to be — a consistent match-winner.
“I've made lots of mistakes, you can say I have behaved childishly sometimes, but I have learned the hard way,” he says. “Probably I was mesmerised by the life I had, there is no shame in saying that, but it is different now.”
Sreesanth has always worked harder than he is given credit for. Fast-bowlers have no choice in this matter, especially men like Sreesanth, who have to commit to the gruelling task of returning after injury. His time out of the Indian team, he says, has motivated him to work harder.
“Every time I saw a team photograph I was not in, I felt bad that I missed it. That was motivation to train harder, to come back better. Who wouldn't want to be in a dressing room with Sachin paaji , Zaheer bhai , Bhajji bhai ? They can win matches just like that. I also want to be a consistent match-winner.”
Turning points
Sreesanth identifies two turning points in his career: his county contract with Warwickshire and his selection for the Kanpur Test against Sri Lanka late last year in which he bowled magnificently on a comatose surface to take five wickets and inspire an Indian win.
“The contract I got with Warwickshire was a turning point,” he says.
“Returning from a stress fracture, I thought I'd never bowl again. I never thought I'd play for the country again. Slowly, I started to bowl, first 115-120 kmph, then quicker. It was difficult, it hurts when you don't perform like you want to. Going to Warwickshire really helped, (coach) Allan Donald helped me a lot. I also had great backup from my family and my company when I was down. Thankfully I got selected for Kanpur. If I had not played and then had an injury like my knee injury now, I would have been distraught. But knowing I could come back makes me very positive.”
Sreesanth says he's in a good place now. His return from injury is going well: he recently tested his knee out here in Chennai, representing Bharat Petroleum Corporation in the Corporate Trophy. He has also shifted base to Bangalore to train regularly in the National Cricket Academy.
The most important thing, he says, is his evolution as a person.
“Before, I was aggressive, arrogant, I never cared a damn for anyone; I never cared a damn for the opponent. I always used to say that even if my dad came to play me, I'd go hard at him, I'd be in his face,” he says.
“Now, I'm hard-working, I really believe in myself and everyone around me, I'm a patient learner. With yoga and mediation, I'm much calmer. I respect the batsman and the opposition and everyone around me. Even if I get hit for a four, I clap; if I get a wicket off a good ball, I say, ‘sorry'. I'm now Sree Santh, Supreme Silence.”
