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The Sreesanth story
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Cricketer Shanthakumaran Sreesanth speaks to Sujatha S on the game he loves most and his cherished moments
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PHOTO: S. SIVA SARAVANAN
BACK TO SCHOOL Sreesanth at Shree Sarasswathi Vidhyaah Mandheer.
In a red striped tie, blue shirt, black suit and designer shoes Shanthakumaran Sreesanth looks different from the cricketer in blue that most Indians admire on the field. "I love wearing formals,'' says the sensation from Kerala, who was in town recently to attend the Sports Day function of Shree Sarasswathi Vidhyaah Mandheer.
A post-graduate student in sports psychology, Sreesanth has been keen to make it to the Indian cricket team. "I chose sports psychology only because in case I did not make it to the team as bowler, I could at least play the role of a psychologist.''
This determination and hard work helped him reach his goal at a young age. His one-day debut was against Sri Lanka in October 2005 and he got his Test Cap against England in March 2006. And, in both cases the venue was Nagpur.
"Receiving the India cap from Sachin Tendulkar will remain the proudest moment in my life,'' says Sreesanth. "Even if I get 500 test wickets, that day in Nagpur will be cherished forever.''
Salsa boy
If cricket is religion and Sachin Tendulkar God, to this 23-year-old speedster, dance and music are family traits. The little jigs he does after wicket are thanks to his dance training. Proficient in both Western and break dance, Sreesanth is now concentrating on Salsa. "Salsa helps me unwind and relax,'' he says. He also practices yoga and meditation. In between, he squeezes time to visit the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai to hone his bowling skills.
Sreesanth enjoys every minute that he spends with his teammates. "We get along very well. Dhoni, Raina and I have loads of fun,'' says the bowler who also shares a special bond with Munaf Patel.
Recalling the recent Caribbean tour, an excited Sreesanth says: "We won a Test series in West Indies after 35 years and I did not understand its importance in the beginning. Slowly, it sank in and the feeling was amazing.''
About his progress in cricket, Sreesanth says: "I am still a Class One student and have a long way to go before graduating."
A keen student, the player spends time analysing his opponents' strengths and weakness before every game. Captain Dravid and Coach Greg Chappell also give in their inputs.
And, the eligible bachelor has no plans to think about marriage till the 2011 World Cup. "Till then, it is only cricket in my life.''
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