Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, popularly called Sreesanth, is a former Indian cricketer who has come to be one of the most charismatic and emotional speedy bowlers India has ever produced. Born on February 6, 1983, in Kothamangalam, Kerala, Sreesanth rose to reputation for his fiery pace, competitive mindset, and unforgettable wicket celebrations. A natural showman in the arena, he performed an essential position in some of India’s biggest cricketing victories, which encompass the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Early Life and Background
Sreesanth was born into a middle-class Malayali family. His father, Shanthakumaran Nair, worked as an insurance officer, and at the same time, his mother, Savitri Devi, became a homemaker. He has three siblings, which include his elder sister Nivedita, a TV actress, and brother Dipin, who’s a musician.
Sreesanth started with an obsession with breakdancing, triumphing in numerous competitions as an infant. However, cricket speed has become his calling. Inspired by mythical bowler Anil Kumble, Sreesanth first bowled leg-spin; however, he later switched to speedy bowling, which has become his strength. His herbal swing, tempo, and aggression made him stand out in Kerala’s domestic cricket.
Domestic Career
Sreesanth made his brilliant debut for Kerala in the early 2000s. His ability to swing the ball with each technique at an excessive pace fast stuck the attention of national selectors.
He brought several match-triumphing spells in the Ranji Trophy, becoming Kerala’s most celebrated fast bowler. His average performance within the 2005 Challenger Trophy, in which he brushed off top batsmen effortlessly, accomplished a primary feature in his name—as a great deal as Team India.
International Career
ODI Debut:
October 25, 2005, vs Sri Lanka
Test Debut:
March 1, 2006, vs England
Major Highlights
1. 2006 Test Series vs South Africa
Sreesanth added one of the super spells by using an Indian pacer overseas, in particular the well-known birthday celebration after disregarding Andre Nel—an iconic moment in world cricket.
2. 2007 ICC T20 World Cup Winner
He played crucial fits, which consist of the final in the direction of Pakistan, and took the famous healthful-winning seize of Misbah-ul-Haq that gave India the identity.
3. 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Winner
Sreesanth turned out to be part of India’s World Cup–triumphing squad, participating in the final match against Sri Lanka.
His Ability
Sreesanth changed into the mentioned:
- Sharp swing bowling
- Expressive aggression
- Big-suit temperament
- Game-changing spells
He completed with:
- Test Matches: 27 (87 wickets)
- ODIs: 53 (seventy-five wickets)
- T20Is: 10 (7 wickets)
Controversies and Comeback
In 2013, Sreesanth became embroiled in the IPL spot-fixing scandal and turned out to be banned for life with the aid of BCCI. This emerges as the darkest segment of his career.
However, after years of prison war, his lifetime ban was modified into a 7-year suspension, and in 2020, he became officially free to play once more.
Sreesanth tried a comeback through home cricket or even achieved it within the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Kerala in 2021. Although he could not return to international cricket, his strength of will and spirit inspired lovers.
Life Beyond Cricket
Sreesanth reinvented himself after cricket:
- Became a massive name (Bigg Boss, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa)
- Appeared in Malayalam, Bollywood, and South Indian movies
- Launched his very own tune album
- Became a motivational speaker
- Worked as a political and sports ambassador
His multi-proficient personality made him well-known in leisure and media.
Personal Life
Sreesanth married Bhuvneshwari Kumari, from a royal family in Rajasthan, on December 12, 2013. The couple has children:
- Son: Suryasree
- Daughter: Sree Sanvika
He lives a nonviolent family existence in Kochi, balancing cricket, schooling, media artwork, and film appearances.
Interesting Facts
- Sreesanth is an educated classical dancer and breakdancer.
- He initially wanted to come to be a leg-spinner.
- He is one of the few Indians to win both the T20 World Cup (2007) and the ODI World Cup (2011).
- Famous for emotional moments, severe celebrations, and a fearless mindset.
- He is also a songwriter and singer.
Legacy
Sreesanth’s journey is a tale of talents, ardor, controversy, downfall, and a powerful comeback. Despite setbacks, he remains one of the most unforgettable personalities in Indian cricket. His fireplace, passion, and stopping spirit continue to inspire young cricketers.
Whether it was modified into his magical swinging deliveries, dancing wicket celebrations, or his by-no-means-deliver-up mind-set, Sreesanth left a mark a long way past statistics.
He will always be remembered as the fiery rapid bowler with the coronary heart of a warrior.
