As his ban will expire in September this year, S Sreesanth is harboring dreams of making a come back. According to the speedster, he hopes to feature in the 2023 ICC World Cup.
His was alleged involvement in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal that rocked the Indian cricketing fraternity. Following this, BCCI banned Sreesanth for life in August 2013. However, he was acquitted of all charges by a special court in Delhi.
“I still believe I can play in the 2023 World Cup. Firmly believe that. One of the things he taught me was to be unapologetically me. I was always unrealistic with my goals but that’s with most athletes. If you don’t have unrealistic goals, you’re going to be mediocre,” Sreesanth told Deccan Herald.
However, a division bench of the High Court resorted the ban in 2018, Kerela High Court struck down the life ban which was imposed on the cricketer and quashed all proceedings against him.
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Last year in March, the apex court upheld his guilt but also asked the BCCI to reduce his quantum of punishment, which was further reduced to seven years which will end this year in September.
Kerala Team coach, Tinu Yohannan said that the Indian pacer will be considered for selection if he can prove his fitness.
“I fully immersed myself in the routine of working out to avoid depressive phases. In fact I tried my hand at MMA too in between because my ander and stress needed some outlet. I couldn’t hit anybody so I did the coolest thing: hit a punching bag or a mat.” Sreesanth said.
Sreesanth further revealed, “it (suicidal thoughts) is something I battled with incessantly in 2013. It was there everywhere I turned, the easy way out, but my family kept me sane. Had to stick around for my family, Knew they needed me. That’s why the news of Sushant Singh Rajput’s death affected me so much, besides the fact that he was a good friend. I was on that edge but walked back because I knew how much it would hurt those who believe in me and love me.”
Sreesanth last featured in an international match in August 2011. The pacer has so far played 27 Tests, 53 ODIs and 10 T20Is for India.
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Source- Deccan Herald
