The Hindu on Sreesanth(Editorial)

The problem with we Indians is that we embrace mediocrity at the drop of the hat. We ’congenitally’ are not born "aggressors", and that’s the reason it does not translate into victories in
the sports field.One good perfomance in the play field by a "Sreesanth" and we go berserk with our accolades and adulations. Infact a disturbing trend which is emerging, courtsey the ’crass’ electronic media, would raise these middle class tyro’s to their Zenith, based on isolated reveiws and perfomances, and make them bite the dust for whimsical rhymes and reasons. It would not be preposterous to say that public opinion in India is basically governed by the media , who in turn thrive on catering to the demented mass with their daily dose of "Ghar Ghar ki Kahani" and ’Frankistienal’ Cricket Reveiws. Sreesanth is a talented yougster and should be nurtured carefully.However the way our Cricket board functions - one is not to sure whether talents could be identified and nurtured in this country.Look at Cricket Australia. "Iqbals" are there in this nation but getting faded into oblivion. Come on India , Grow Up !!!!!
Whether its different hairstyles, random changes in the bowling action or atking the bull by the horns, Shantakumaran Sreesanth has done all this and lived to tell the tale and come out on top. For, in
a country where urgent displays of passion, emotion and hunger by sportsmen are largely scowled upon (remember Ganguly-bashing after Chapell’s email controversy?), Sreesanth is always poised on a preacarious edge.The sudden rise of the Kerela speedster into the upper echelons of world cricket proves yet again that the inexplicable practice of choosing only big-city players has been abandoned .
A fierce growl expressing aggression, a possessed look in soulful eyes and a confident body language is enough to label this twenty- something hot blooded player to be called the "Next Big Thing" in Indian fast bowling. True, the critics and public said the same of Irfan Pathan (the enigma of this decade) three years back, but with Sreesanth it doesn’t look that way. Fiery, raw, unbridled pace and a seam-up way of delivering the ball mean that he is capable of using the crucial new ball to his advantage.
To add to all this, he has an inborn rebellious streak in his veins, which sets him apart from ost other Indian cricketers. With enough panache and bravado to look a stormy Andre Nel in the eye and bend every rue in the book to kill time on the last day of a test, Sreesanth’s uncurtailed agression is a definite virtue at this time.

But the writing is on the wall: Sreesanth is definitely a prospect to watch out for in the next couple of years. Not only with the ball, but with the bat too. He is capable of capturing the moment and grabbing the initiative at any time. On-field historics coupeld with the ability to hit the big shots can intimidate even the most experienced of cricketers. In domestic cricket as well, he has stared down long and hard to greats like Sachin Tendulkar and V.Sehwag at every given oppurtunity. May God be with this young seamer and convert his raw talent into an icily effective temperament. Cheers to Indian cricket!
Incidentally it was SREESANTH who played a major role for the Indian victory as also very well supported by other members of the Indian cricket team.