Out of favor India pacer S. Sreesanth’s last international appearance came in 2011 against England at the Oval. Since then, he has mostly spent his time running around courts and justifying himself in media channels. Perhaps one of the most skilled pacers, Sreesanth’s career went south after he was named in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal. He was banned from playing any sort of competitive cricket.
As things stand, his ban has been reduced and it is set to expire on September 13, 2020. Sreesanth’s dream of playing for India again hasn’t diminished yet. Just like his comebacks in the battles against some of the finest batters of the modern era, the athlete in Sreesanth is eager to have one more shot at glory.
Sreesanth still hopeful of playing for India
In an interview with Cricket World, Sreesanth said “Realistically no (on Team India return), but as my father told me which I will always follow ‘never give up as long as you’re breathing’. I never believed in being realistic, from a small state called Kerala (not much history of great cricketers who represented India). I always believed I will play for India and win a World Cup and it happens as the bible says ‘This too shall pass’. Miracles happen every moment, believe.”
The 37-year-old has earned 27 Test caps, picking 87 wickets. He was a part of the victorious 2007 World T20 campaign and went on to play a part in India’s 2011 World Cup win. Always an aggressive customer in the field of cricket, Sreesanth got the better of the likes of Matthew Hayden, Adam Gilchrist and other reputed names on a consistent basis.
His presence in the Indian team would have bolstered the attack. With Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah carrying the hopes for India in overseas tours, the wicket-taker in Sreesanth could have been a vital cog in the XI.