Cricket

The 2006 Test match between India and South Africa in Johannesburg witnessed an unforgettable clash between S Sreesanth and Andre Nel, a moment etched in cricket history for its intensity, aggression, and humor.During India's second innings, Sreesanth, primarily known for his bowling, found himself at the crease as a lower-order batsman. Facing him was South Africa's Andre Nel, renowned for his fiery and aggressive on-field demeanor.Nel, true to his nature, attempted to unsettle Sreesanth with verbal sledging, questioning his courage and heart. He gestured towards his chest, implying Sreesanth lacked the fortitude to face him.Undeterred, Sreesanth responded with an iconic act. On the very next delivery, he stepped out and launched a massive six over Nel's head, leaving everyone, including Nel, stunned.But Sreesanth didn't stop there. He danced down the pitch in a rodeo-style celebration, swinging his bat with a mix of anger, satisfaction, and humor, mocking Nel's earlier aggression.Fast forward to 2024, Sreesanth proved that his spunk remained intact. Playing for Gujarat Giants in the Legends League Cricket (LLC), he smashed a towering six over the long-on boundary against Dan Christian of Manipal Tigers.The hit was so impressive that it drew applause from his teammates Shikhar Dhawan and Mohammad Kaif. This time, however, there were no verbal exchanges or rodeo-style celebrations.Sreesanth's iconic six against Nel and his recent display in the LLC showcase his unwavering spirit and ability to respond to adversity with both aggression and humor. These moments have cemented his place in cricket history as a player who never shied away from a challenge.

Former Indian fast bowler Sreesanth has strongly advocated for the inclusion of wicket-keeper batsman Sanju Samson in India's playing XI for the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, Sreesanth's suggestion is not to replace first-choice wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant but to play Samson as a pure batsman in place of Shivam Dube.Sreesanth's reasoning is based on the premise that if Shivam Dube is not bowling, Team India would be better off selecting a more capable batsman like Samson. He believes that Samson should be included as a finisher, given his exceptional batting skills."If they (Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli) are opening, I don't see any reason to change the XI. Axar Patel is bowling well. If you look at Shivam Dube, yes, he hasn't played well in the first two games, but we know what he can do with the bat. But I would like to see one change, and that is Sanju Samson come in the team," Sreesanth told ANI."If Shivam Dube is not bowling, then Sanju (Samson) should be given an opportunity; we know he is good enough," Sreesanth emphasized.Sreesanth's suggestion stems from his belief that Samson is a hungry and talented player who deserves an opportunity to showcase his abilities. He also highlighted Samson's exceptional fielding skills, which would be a valuable asset to the team."I spoke to him the other day; he is hungry for an opportunity," Sreesanth said. "He is also a Superman fielder."Sreesanth and Samson share a common bond as they both hail from the state of Kerala in India. Despite Samson typically batting at number 3 in the IPL, Sreesanth believes he should be deployed as a finisher in the T20 World Cup."I feel Sanju comes in last along with Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. I think we can finish on a big score if we are chasing, with Virat being the chase master king. I don't see any score being that difficult for us to chase," said Sreesanth, a winner of the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 Cricket World Cup.Dube played a crucial role in India's victory against the USA. Coming in to bat with India lying at 39-3, Dube and Suryakumar Yadav ensured India reached home safely and qualified for the Super 8 stage.Samson enjoyed his most successful IPL to date before the T20 World Cup. He finished as the fifth-highest run-getter in IPL 2024, with 531 runs from 15 innings for the Rajasthan Royals.India are confirmed to face Australia and Afghanistan in the Super 8.

Team India's impressive start to the T20 World Cup, with three consecutive wins, has prompted former pacer Sreesanth to suggest a change in the playing XI. Sreesanth believes that wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson should be included in the lineup, potentially replacing all-rounder Shivam Dube.Samson, who opened in a warm-up match against Bangladesh, has not yet featured in India's World Cup campaign. However, Sreesanth believes that his versatility and current form make him a valuable asset."If Shivam Dube is not bowling, then Sanju should be given an opportunity; we know he is good enough," Sreesanth said. "The form he is in, and apart from wicketkeeping, he is a superman fielder."Sreesanth also highlighted Samson's ability to contribute in the lower order, alongside Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. "I feel Sanju comes in last along with Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. I think we can finish on a big score if we are chasing, with Virat being the chase master king."Dube's place in the team has come under scrutiny after he struggled with the bat against Pakistan and bowled only one over across three matches. Sreesanth believes that Samson could provide a more balanced option, especially if Dube is not contributing with the ball."If they [Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli] are opening, I don't see any reason to change the XI. Axar Patel is bowling well. If you look at Shivam Dube, yes, he hasn't played well in the first two games, but we know what he can do with the bat," Sreesanth said. "But I would like to see one change, and that is Sanju Samson coming into the team."Sreesanth's suggestion has sparked debate among cricket fans and experts. While some believe that Samson's inclusion would strengthen the team, others argue that Dube's potential with the bat should not be overlooked.

Former Indian pacer Sreesanth has heaped praise on Team India's T20 World Cup vice-captain Hardik Pandya, who has been in scintillating form with the ball in the ongoing tournament. Pandya has impressed with his blistering pace and wicket-taking ability, drawing comparisons to Australia's Marcus Stoinis.Sreesanth believes that Pandya's bowling has been exceptional, despite being considered a part-time bowler. "He doesn't look like a part-time bowler. He can pick the new ball, and he can bowl those cutters. I think he is doing what Stoinis is doing for the Australia team, getting those crucial wickets and bowling those crucial overs," Sreesanth told ANI.Pandya's performances have been a welcome sight for India, especially after facing criticism for his captaincy of the Mumbai Indians in the IPL. However, on the international stage, he has regained his form and showcased his prowess as a genuine all-rounder.Sreesanth also praised Pandya's ability to perform under pressure. "His performance gets better when the match is good. He keeps the players together. So that is a great quality," he said.Despite India's strong playing XI, there are still some top stars waiting for their chance, including Sanju Samson, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Kuldeep Yadav. Sreesanth is optimistic about India's chances of lifting the T20 World Cup for the first time since 2007, citing the team's depth and experience."Absolutely, if we talk about Virat and Rohit, what a great brotherhood, and one can learn a lot of things from them. They have a lot of experience, they can win matches from any position. We have Rishabh Pant. What a story, not just for cricket but even for life. He is such an inspirational guy," Sreesanth said."We have so much talent if you look at Arshdeep Singh, Bumrah with the way he is bowling, Hardik Pandya, and even Chahal, one of the best bowlers, sitting out. Sanju and even Kuldeep are missing out on games. We have such great bench strength," he concluded.

Former Indian pacer Sreesanth believes that Rishabh Pant would be delighted to see Virat Kohli return to his preferred number three batting position, especially given Kohli's struggles as an opener in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Despite his exceptional IPL season, Kohli has managed a mere five runs in three games while opening alongside captain Rohit Sharma.With Kohli opening, Pant has assumed the responsibility of batting at number three at the World Cup. The wicket-keeper batter has flourished in this role, amassing 96 runs in three games with his diverse shot selection. Sreesanth believes that if Kohli returns to his number three spot, Pant will continue to excel."Pant is a player who can adapt to any situation. We have seen him bat at different positions. He is a brilliant player, and I think Pant will be happy if Virat goes at number three. Pant doesn't look at the situation, wicket, or the bowler. He just looks at the ball. I think that is a quality that youngsters should focus on. I think he loves Virat, and he would love to see Virat score more runs. If Virat comes just before him, imagine the freedom that Pant gets, he might just hit the reverse sweep on the first ball. So that is Pant," Sreesanth said while speaking exclusively to ANI.Pant made his return to cricket in the IPL 2024 season as the skipper of the Delhi Capitals after sustaining injuries in a car accident in December 2022. He scored 446 runs in 13 matches, with an average of 40.55 and a strike rate of 155.40.India remains unbeaten in the T20 World Cup, having defeated Ireland, Pakistan, and co-hosts USA. Sreesanth sees no reason why the Indian team shouldn't aim for the title, citing their strength and talent."We have such great bench strength. I don't see any reason why we shouldn't be winning it. Whenever we talk about the World Cup, they show wins of 2009, 2011, and 1983. It is high time this team genuinely deserves to win the World Cup. Next time, pictures of the current edition will be shown."In last year's ODI World Cup, India reached the final undefeated but fell short against Australia. Sreesanth is hopeful that this time, India can seek revenge if both teams reach the final, drawing comparisons to past tournament triumphs."It feels good, and the way the team is performing it makes you remember the 2007 T20 World Cup. This time, Pakistan is going out, and India is moving forward. The way Bumrah and others are performing, especially in terms of character, India is way ahead. If anybody is going to challenge India, I think it is going towards, India vs Australia final. The result that didn't take place in the 50-over World Cup, I hope India takes revenge this time and we bring the cup back to India," he stated.After securing a spot in the Super 8, India will play their final group stage game against Canada in Florida on Saturday.

S Sreesanth, the former Indian pacer, has revisited the infamous "slapgate" incident that occurred during the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008. The incident, which involved Sreesanth and then-Mumbai Indians captain Harbhajan Singh, has been a subject of much discussion over the years.Speaking on "The Ranveer Show," Sreesanth revealed that he did not cry due to physical pain but rather because of the emotional bond he shared with Harbhajan. He stated that Harbhajan had always been a source of support and guidance for him, and the incident came as a shock."I didn't cry because of pain but because of heart. I could not take the fact that he would do it," Sreesanth said. "I was not worried about who was watching. So maybe the kid in me as a younger brother, if an elder brother was shouting, and he had all the right because before the game he had actually told me that don't go overboard with your aggression against us."Sreesanth also made a significant revelation about his time with the Indian national team. He claimed that he had faced discrimination based on his regional background, with players from the southern part of India being referred to as "Madrasi.""All my life I have been.... I can say it. See anything below Bombay was more like Madrasi. I have been hearing it from the time I was playing Under-13 to Under-14 to Under-16 to Under-19," Sreesanth said. "Then we had the Kochi (Tuskers Kerala) team and it was like playing for the country again."Sreesanth's comments have sparked a debate about regionalism and discrimination in Indian cricket. He has called for greater inclusivity and respect for players from all backgrounds.

Kochi Tuskers Kerala: Sreesanth Reveals Unpaid Dues and Franchise TerminationFormer Indian fast bowler Sreesanth has shed light on the financial turmoil that plagued the Kochi Tuskers Kerala franchise during its brief tenure in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The team, which featured a star-studded lineup including Brendon McCullum, Mahela Jayawardene, and Ravindra Jadeja, was terminated after just one season in 2011 for breaching the terms of its agreement.According to Sreesanth, the Kerala franchise has yet to settle the outstanding payments owed to the players who represented the team. "They have to pay a lot of money," he said. "They still haven't. You should get Muralitharan sir (Muttiah Muralitharan), you should get Mahela (Mahela Jayawardene) and in your show they will only tell you. McCullum was also there, and Jadeja."Sreesanth revealed that the franchise was initially intended to participate in the league for three seasons. However, after their inaugural campaign in 2011, the team faced suspension due to financial irregularities.The pacer expressed frustration that the players associated with the Kochi franchise have refrained from publicly discussing the team's failure to settle their outstanding payments. "Please guys, BCCI has literally paid you, I think. Please pay us...anyway whenever you're paying, remember the 18% interest every year. I feel by the time my kid gets married, we will definitely receive the money (laughs). The team was supposed to be for three years, and the team got terminated in the first year. I think no one has spoken about it. Even now when the players meet, they talk about it," he said.The Kochi Tuskers Kerala saga highlights the importance of financial stability and transparency in professional sports. The franchise's failure to fulfill its financial obligations to its players has left a lasting impact on those involved and serves as a cautionary tale for future franchise owners.

Former Indian fast bowler Sreesanth and ex-Australian all-rounder Tom Moody have expressed their support for Hardik Pandya's inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad, highlighting his potential to turn the tide of matches with his dynamic contributions.Sreesanth, known for his expertise in outswing bowling, backed Pandya's selection, citing his past performances for the national team. "We have seen what he can do on the field... The way he's been batting and the way he's been bowling, for the country, he even led the country in one series and we won," Sreesanth remarked during a discussion on Star Sports.Pandya's selection came under scrutiny due to a dip in form preceding the IPL 2024, but his timely recovery from an ankle injury and subsequent appointment as Mumbai Indians' captain garnered attention. Despite concerns, Sreesanth remained confident in Pandya's ability to deliver on the big stage."So, it's one good thing that Hardik Pandya comes in and bats, especially when he's chasing and Virat Kohli is on the other side, I think the combination they create is great," Sreesanth said.Addressing Pandya's bowling prowess, Sreesanth suggested his utility with both the new ball and in pressure situations, particularly against formidable opponents like Pakistan. "Hardik can take the new ball or the old ball, especially against Pakistan, but it's not only against Pakistan, we are going to play a lot of different teams," Sreesanth added.Tom Moody echoed Sreesanth's sentiments, stressing Pandya's unique skill set and indispensable role in the Indian squad. "Name me three other people who can do what Hardik Pandya is doing. That's the bottom line," Moody emphasized, underlining the scarcity of genuine all-rounders of Pandya's caliber in Indian cricket.Moody lauded the selectors' decision to persist with Pandya, recognizing his significance in maintaining team balance. "I think he stands head and shoulders above anyone who is competing for that particular role. I think (chief selector) Ajit Agarkar has recognized that that is the case and we have to give him a longer rope with regards to his recovery, with regards to his form, and everything else, because he is a very precious commodity in this country," Moody affirmed, advocating for patience regarding Pandya's recovery and form.Furthermore, Moody commended the selection of Shivam Dube, emphasizing the importance of Dube's bowling preparations to ensure readiness for potential match scenarios. "Even though he might not have to bowl in a match situation, he's got the bowling, so it's not like he hasn't bowled for two months and then suddenly called upon to bowl in a World Cup tournament. So, he'll be up and ready physically for the opportunity. So, to me Shivam Dube is a smart pick," Moody said.With the T20 World Cup looming in the USA and the West Indies, the backing of experienced campaigners like Sreesanth and Moody bolsters confidence in the selectors' decisions and affirms the squad's potential to excel on the global stage.