THE SAVIOUR IS ON THE MAKING(Times of India) S Sreesanth, a few seasons back , a pacer from Kochi, made his ranji debut for
his state team , Kerala.From his baby like face and not so athletic built body, nobody expected anything spectacular from him.he was simply another addition to the already depleted pace bowling department of the kerala team. but, the person proved all those critics wrong, by becoming the first kerala bowler to take a hattrick in ranji. Though , he got selected for the Irani trophy championshipsin the early stages of the career itself, his progress was bogged down by a troublesome hamstring injury.but the man had strongest self-belief that through meticulous preparation, he ’d be an integral part of team India.
TURNING POINT-MUMBAI MAESTRO’S WICKET(Times of India) It was in the 2005 edition of the Challenger cup that he was selected for the India
B team . Throughout the tournament , he was impressive with his pace and exuberance. He was very much noted for his ability to bowl consistently around 90 mph, a quality which is found too sporadic in indian pacers. In the last league match of the tourney, he was able to take the prize wicket of none other than sachin tendulkar with a well bowled slower one. But this slower delivery just made his entry into the national side a bit swifter. When the team for the home series against Srilanka was announced, he was selected . Yes, S.SREESANTH is selected.
Sreesanth, himself would always be aware of the fact that at this level, nothing can be taken for granted. In the past also,there have been pacers who had promised a lot, but faded away with the passage of time. Sreesanth has got a nice away going delivery and a short one, with the addition of yorkers, offcutters etc in his repertoire, he could prove more lethal.He’s just 23 and so he has age on his side.We may hope, with lots of wickets in international cricket, Sreesanth continues to excel and win matches for India.
Hindustan times:Early signs
Even as an eight-year-old boy mostly doing the duties of a ball boy for his elder cousins playing cricket in the backyard of the family house in Kothamangalam, Sreesanth used to draw fielding plans in his notebook, hoping he will get to bowl one day.
For months, his mother Savithri Devi was under the impression her son was so engrossed in his studies that he spent hours completing his homework. "But one day I checked his notebooks and found out what kept him busy every evening," she recalls.
Sreesanth's elder brother, Dipusanth, was then playing cricket for his school and university as a new-ball bowler. But the fact that his sporting career was going nowhere only added to her anxiety. Whenever Sreesanth spoke about making a career in cricket, his cousins and family members would remind him that only 15 players from among a billion Indians could make it to the national team.
Favourite child
But Santhakumaran Nair had different plan for his second son. Impressed by Sreesanth's keenness, he took a transfer to Ernakulam to provide him proper coaching, and enrolled him in the Ernakulam Cricket Club's summer camp under P Sivakumar.
"The concerns about the future were definitely there. But there was never any reason to complain about his examination results. So I was happy to give him the freedom to pursue his cricket dreams," says the Life Insurance Corporation development officer.
The fact that Sreesanth was the youngest member in the family and had undergone a serious intestinal surgery when he was just six months old had made him the family's blue-eyed boy.
Santhakumaran used to drive all players in Sreesanth's school team to matches around the city in his car without informing his wife, and then stay throughout the match.
Early spin
Sreesanth then used to bowl leg spin and bat higher in the order. But Sivakumar felt the youngster, who joined his academy as a 13-year-old, had the potential to become a fast bowler. So he prodded Sreesanth to fulfil his childhood dream of bowling faster than his brother, who was 12 years older.
"He had a fantastic seam position and could swing the ball. Even while bowling leg spin, yorkers were his most effective deliveries. So I convinced him to shift to fast bowling," Sivakumar says.
Sreesanth got an opportunity to shift to Bangalore when his elder sister moved there after marriage, and his brother-in-law suggested he should move to the Garden city to further his cricket career. But there was one problem. Sreesanth had already passed eighth standard in Kerala, but no Bangalore school was willing to admit him in the ninth citing age issues. Santhakumaran recalls, "My relatives berated me for wasting a year as we decided to enrol him again in the eighth standard. But I thought we can give it a try for a year, and take it from there."
Sreesanth trained at the AV Jayaprakash academy, and used to cycle 14 km daily to attend the training. But his first real break came when he was selected to the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai three years later. "I would say that I provided him training till the 10+2 level, but he graduated at the MRF academy," says Sivakumar.
Sreesanth's selection to the MRF academy also ended the talk about an alternative career in academics. He came back a changed bowler, and became the first Kerala bowler to claim a hat-trick in a three-day game, in an U-19 match against Karnataka.
Difficult period
He was also picked for India 'A', but the honeymoon was over in no time and Sreesanth found it difficult to settle down in the Ranji squad. "There were a lot of problems, including ragging by seniors. That was the only time I saw him losing confidence. I used to talk to him a lot during that period. He came out stronger," says Sivakumar.
Sreesanth's international career has also oscillated between the brilliant and the ordinary. His devastating spell in Johannesburg in 2006 helped India win their first Test on South African soil, and it looked like he would soon cement his place. But injuries at regular intervals and controversies surrounding his on-field behaviour hampered his progress. He then signed up for English county Warwickshire. Sivakumar says the stint under Allan Donald there proved to be the turning point.
Despite apprehensions within the team management about his behaviour, Sreesanth was recalled for the home series against Sri Lanka in November 2009. He bowled his heart out on a flat Kanpur pitch and helped India win the Test. Sivakumar says Sreesanth is predominantly a Test bowler. "He is aggressive and gives off his best even if the wickets are unresponsive. That doesn't mean he cannot contribute in ODIs."
One criticism against Sreesanth is that his economy rate in ODIs is above six. Sivakumar begs to differ. "You need to see what he has in the last column. Isn't it better to take two-three wickets for 60 runs than have figures of none for 50-odd runs? And mind you, Sreesanth normally takes the wickets of top order batsmen."
The bowler would know he has got a chance at redemption. In 2007, the rookie did not get a chance to play in India's disastrous campaign. Four years later, an experienced Sreesanth will be looking to script a fairytale run, if and when he gets the ball in his hand. And billions of Indians will hope his aggression stays well and truly in control.
The Kerala [ Images ] speedster says the chances of him repeating that spectacle on the tour which begins this week are remote. He wants to let his bowling do the talking this time.
The last couple of years have been tough for Sreesanth with a spate of injuries before he made a successful comeback in the Test series against Australia [ Images ], followed by a good showing against New Zealand [ Images ].
Not only has he changed his attitude by curbing his aggression, he is trying to sport a new look by growing his hair. "I want to have the retro look of a fast bowler," he reveals, with a smile.
He was India's best bowler on India's last tour of South Africa with a tally of 18 wickets in three Tests, including a match-winning haul of 8/99 at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.
You have wonderful memories of your last tour to South Africa in 2006. That spell of yours (5/40) in the first Test at the Wanderers saw South Africa collapse for 84 and inspired India to their first Test win in Soth Africa.
Do you recall that performance?
Obviously, I do. When you play for your country, you remember all your performances, starting from the Under-19 days. It was very special for me playing in South Africa, especially meeting Allan Donald because he is my all-time favourite bowler along with Dennis Lillee.
I remember that meeting with Donald at the start of the Test. I was struggling with my rhythm so I approached him. He helped me with my bowling. He asked me to focus on something which I did, and it helped me at that point of time.
I remember doing the simple things and it worked for me. I am still doing the same now.
Will you repeat that dance again?
It was not a dance, it was more like taming a horse than dancing. It was more an expression (to Nel) that you are being tamed.
Would you repeat it?
As long as my bowling does the job and I score a few runs and take a few catches and I am humble in my process, I should not worry about all that.
So, no more 'taming'... :-)
I won't. As long as they don't trouble me much, I would not be worrying about that. I am only focussed on making my bowling do the talking rather than me talking.
I don't think I will be speaking much on the tour. I want my performances to speak. I want to focus on things which are very simple.
I don't want to complicate things.
How much has Sreesanth changed since that trip in 2006?
I haven't changed. Everybody talks about this big change in Sreesanth. To be honest, I am not 19 or 20 anymore. I am 27 and soon will turn 28, so that is the only change.
But you have mellowed down?
Yes, because maturity comes in with age and experience. It is my sixth year in international cricket and I am enjoying it.
You have a good record in South Africa. Does that give you confidence ahead of this trip?
I had 16 wickets in 2 Tests. I could manage only two in the last match else that record would have been even better. I would like to better that performance.
God has been extremely kind. I am in good rhythm and I want to continue that. I am looking forward to every match and every net session. More than the match I want to focus on my training sessions.
If I sweat out and train hard in the nets it will help improve me further.
I don't want to live on my past performances and say that I did well then. I want to do well even today.
Coach Gary Kirsten and bowling coach Eric Simons are from South Africa. Will their inputs prove to be a major difference, especially for our fast bowlers?
They have been of great help not only to me, but the entire team. I really appreciate the work Eric Simons has done with me in this series and before. He has really helped me with my technique and my strength. Paddy Upton has been of great help along with coach Kirsten.
I also want to point out the contribution of Ramesh Mane 'Kaka [ Images ]'. I do the meditation every day with Kaka and our new yoga instructor Manoj Kumar. It is a very professional unit now.
We get the proper training, proper time for recovery and it really helps to give your best shot.
I think when you get the best facilities you don't have to worry about anything. You just thinking of running in hard and giving your best.
Do you think this Indian team can end the Test series jinx in South Africa, where we have won just one Test out of the 12 we have played in 18 years?
I was lucky to be a part of that victory. Hopefully, we will win more matches this time. I don't want to comment on the result because I am doing my job. I am only focusing on the process rather than the result.
As Gary Kirsten always says, 'We should always be humble in our process and we should focus on things that we can control rather than the result.'
There will be good days, there will be bad days, but we can't keep worrying about that.
I have come out of a stress fracture, so I have seen bad days. Everyone goes through bad days, but that does not mean you should stop enjoying the good days.
You should look to give your best shot and not worry about the results because if you work hard, the results will take care of themselves.
Do you believe this Indian team, ranked number one in Tests, can triumph in South Africa?
I believe we can fly.
You bowled a lot of overs during the Test series against New Zealand, and performed well on pitches that were good for batsmen. Would you say you have got your rhythm back and are back to your best bowling form?
I think so. I had a very big injury lay-off for 18 months, then I played against Sri Lanka [ Images ]. Then I went to England [ Images ] to play county cricket which really helped. I interacted a lot with Allan Donald at Warwickshire. That county stint really helped me a lot to improve as a bowler.
But unfortunately, I once again missed out because of swine flu. Then I made a comeback but it was playing only Test matches. Now in this ODI series against New Zealand I made it back to the one-day side. I think I did a good job.
So thank you to the injuries. It has shown me a new way. I am looking forward to playing every game for India.
I don't want to miss even a single game now because I had a long holiday of 18 months, staying away from the Indian team. Now I just want to keep playing as long as I can.
Being a fast bowler and trying to bowl at more 140 kmph every time I am sure there will be more injuries in the future. But I cannot worry about that and look to preserve myself.
I can even slip while walking in my house or hotel so I cannot worry about injuries.
South Africa have a number of top batsmen in its side -- Graeme Smith [ Images ], A B de Villiers, Hashim Amla [ Images ] and Jacques Kallis [ Images ] -- all in top form. Any particular batsman you would like to target during the series?
It is a very good thing that they are all in top form. It will be a good challenge and I love challenges. If no one is in form, then what is the fun?
I want to target the whole team of eleven players, who are out in the field. I want to run in and give my best for the country. I am not worried about the opposition.
As you embark on the South African tour, is the World Cup also on your mind. A good showing against the Proteas will ensure your World Cup berth.
To be very honest, it is not even at the back of my mind. I am not trying to be diplomatic or politically correct when I say that.
My success today is only because of focusing on the present and not worrying about the future. This thing I learnt in county cricket because when you play in England, you learn to play professional cricket.
So as a professional cricketer, you focus on only giving your best today.
Mumbai Mirror
In his five-year international career, Kerala speedster Sreesanth has rubbed many players the wrong way and they haven’t always been part of the opposition.
At times, his antics have not gone down well with some of his own teammates. And one of the most vocal critics of Sreesanth’s on-field theatrics has been the Indian skipper himself, MS Dhoni.
Sreesanth was down with cough and cold as he prepared himself for Kochi Tuskers Kerala’s home game against MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings. But the 28-year-old took time out to speak to Mirror and react to Indian skipper’s criticism, the targets he has set for himself and his association with new IPL franchisee, Kochi Tuskers Kerala. Excerpts
Winning the World Cup would have been a proud moment for you. But were you not disappointed with your own performance?
Frankly, I am still in the World Cup mode. I am disappointed with my own performance in the World Cup. I know I couldn’t contribute much. I tried to give my best. But didn’t get much rewards. Even great cricketers go through such phases.
Some players might not find a place in the squad when they are not performing up to the mark. But I was lucky to be part of the World Cup winning team. Cricket is a team game and at the end of the day we have won the World Cup. It’s not about someone performing more or someone performing less.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni doesn’t seem happy with your on-field behaviour. He said that the only person who can control Sreesanth is Sreesanth himself...
Is he not right? An individual can only be controlled by himself. What’s wrong in that statement?
He admonished you for your slow over rate in South Africa. He even warned you from rubbing your own teammates the wrong way?
I don’t understand why you people make a hue and cry over these comments. If I make a mistake or overstep the line, he has got every right to criticise me. He has spoken to me about it. He is my captain. If a student does a mischief, doesn’t the teacher scold him? If you are tardy in your work, doesn’t your editor pull you up? It is the same thing.
So you don’t have any problems with Dhoni?
Never have I had any problems with him nor will I ever have any problems with him. He has been there right from the time I made my debut. I consider him as my elder brother. I was part of the T20 World Cup winning team led by Dhoni in 2007.
Four years later, I am in the team led by Dhoni that won the ODI World Cup. I played in the first match of the World Cup against Bangladesh and went for runs. The team management decided to drop me from the next few games till the final.
If Dhoni had any problems regarding my attitude, he wouldn’t have picked me for a game as big as the World Cup final. I have not played under too many captains. But for me he is the best captain I have played under. He is street smart.
So you can expect more Sreesanth’s in the Indian team soon?
No! I think one Sreesanth in the Indian team is more than enough to handle (laughs). I mean players shouldn’t lose their individuality. So I don’t want people aping my style or for that matter anyone’s style. But I want to see the likes of Raiphy Gomez and Prashant Chandran playing for Tuskers now to go on and play for the country.
What are the goals that you have set for yourself?
I want to spearhead the Indian bowling attack in years to come. I think Zaheer bhai has still got a few more years left in him. He has done a terrific job leading the Indian pace attack for years. So when he decides to hang his boots, I would like to step into his shoes.
For that I need to keep myself fit. This year, we have got tours to West Indies, England and Australia. I want to play in all those places and be a part of a winning Indian team.
Being part of Kochi Tuskers and playing in fr0ont of home crowd in IPL would mean a lot to you?
Oh yes! I want more and more people, especially youngsters, to come and watch us play. Having a team from Kerala in IPL will no doubt help in producing more cricketers from the state for the country.
