“ I have changed for good’’
For fast bowler Sreesanth, it has been like a second birth. His off-field antics almost killed his chances of reviving his international cricket. But luck always favours the brave and he made a sensational comeback in the Test series against Sri Lanka. Sreesanth, who just suffered from a bout of swine flu, in conversation with TWF correspondent A Roy
The 26-year-old temperamental fast bowler doesn't want to look back and wants to make the most from his second birth. “Staying outside the team has been tough. But I have taught myself a valuable lesson. I am not looking at the past. For me past is history that means his-story and tomorrow is mystery that means my story,” Sreesanth told TWF in an interview.
The Kerala pacer wants to thank god for the chance.
"To be honest, I almost gave up my hope of playing for the country. But God has been very kind and I got the opportunity at the right time,” he said.
But he also remembered the help he got from legendary South African fast bowler Allan Donald during his Warwickshire stint.
"I think it was a good decision and I thank BCCI for giving me the permission to play county cricket. It was not easy bowling there in June-July. Donald Sir helped me a lot. I know he said certain things about me but he helped me get my focus on off-field things, work on my work ethics, my attitude, training schedule and my professional approach. I have made a lot of sacrifice over the last seven months," Sreesanth says.
Sreesanth feels that he tries to play the aggressively but has been misunderstood at time.
"I think I have been misunderstood a lot of times, not just once or twice. I must be one of the most misunderstood cricketers in the world. But I don't think I would change. I will do things which are right and not things which people say are right," he adds.
Asked about the changes he had made in his approach, Sreesanth says: “I have become realistic now and set goals which I can achieve. I have made it a point that I am not here to prove a point. I am enjoying my game playing to my expectations. It's always a proud moment to play for the country.”
Sreesanth also revealed that reading, writing and listening to music every day helps him to stay focussed on his game.
“'I am like just another guy. I write my diary every day, listen to music and read books every day. These things help me stay focused despite all odd things written about me almost every day. I try to switch off after a match and that also helps me relax. I pray to god every day as I come from a very religious family,” he says.
Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee has been the biggest influence in Sreesanth's life.
“He has been my role model. I was lucky to work with him when I was a trainee at the MRF Pace Academy. I read his autobiography 'Dennis the Menace' and tried to learn from it. In his book he wrote 'if I bowl well on a day I don't get back into the dressing room with my chest out as if I am the best bowler in the world. Or if I bowl badly the next day I don't walk back in the dressing room with my shoulders drooped as if I am the most useless player in the team'. That's how I see myself,” says Sreesanth.
On a lighter note he rated his horse dance in South Africa as his No.1 antic.
“My favourite one is my horse dance in South Africa after I hit Andre Nel for a six. I actually wanted to hit him for a six and after I really did, I couldn't control myself. I know my antics are a hot topic. But now I have changed for good,” he says.
Sreesanth is now well aware of his responsibilities in the team. “I know I have my responsibilities in the team and I never want to let down my captain and team. They have a lot of faith in me but I play my game aggressively and I definitely enjoy it,' says Sreesanth.
Asked if India can hold their No. tag in Test, Sreesanth says: “ We have to believe in ourselves. We don't have to be afraid of any one. At least I am not. I know I play my game aggressively and I will continue doing that.”
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