As Sreesanth is set to be eligible to play cricket again after his ban ends this September, the veteran fast-bowler is keen to return to competitive cricket with the senior division league of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) in Chennai.
Sreesanth was handed a lifetime ban from cricket after his alleged involvement in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal but the Indian cricket board had to cut-short the ban after BCCI ombudsman DK Jain ordered for the Kerala paceman’s spot-fixing ban to be reduced to seven-years that will be completed in September.
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Well, Sreesanth, one of India's most talented swing bowlers, has already started his preparation to return to action, as he has been training as well as getting online mental conditioning classes from noted NBA physical and mental training coach Tim Grover to return to cricket at the earliest.
The 37-year-old, who has 169 wickets from 90 international games for India and has 211 wickets from 73 first-class matches for Kerala, has decided to play in the TNCA league in order to return to cricketing action as soon as possible having already featured in the division league for several years.
India’s World Cup winner spent his early days in Chennai and even he is also familiar with the city, where he learned tricks of the trade at the MRF Pace Foundation and he wants to make the most of the TNCA league to re-attain good rhythm before making Ranji Trophy comeback for Kerala.
Sreesanth told New Indian Express: “I have fond memories of Chennai. I learnt the ropes of fast bowling from Dennis Lillee and TA Sekar. I have great memories of playing at MA Chidambaram Stadium. The wickets, conditions, and quality of batsmen make it challenging for bowlers. I would love to play in the TNCA league.”
He further added, “I am bowling with passion and slowly getting back my rhythm. I am enjoying my bowling and the process that a first-class cricketer has to undergo to perform at the Ranji level.”
Previously, Sreesanth played for Globe Trotters in the TNCA league, but now he is ready for any team in the tournament as he is just focused on playing.
Sreesanth signed off by saying, “All I want is to play. Globe Trotters is fine, or else any team. Whichever team one play for, the intensity will be the same.”
(With New Indian Express Inputs)
