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Fast track
India's upcoming paceman Sreesanth brushes aside disappointments as he looks forward to developing his career with self-belief.
- By KR Nayar, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 September 30, 2006
Dubai: Despite having been overlooked for the forthcoming Champions Trophy S. Sreesanth, one of India's most promising fast bowlers, has taken the setback in his stride.
"I was disappointed, but I always believe that if one door shuts another will open for me. When I face tough times, I tell myself that this situation will also pass. I never let myself get too excited or too upset," he told Gulf News.
However, it was such setbacks that moulded his career. After once taking a hat-trick in a Ranji Trophy match for Kerala, he was dropped for the very next game against Kashmir.
"Self-belief is very vital for a cricketer. I speak a lot to myself and write down my thoughts," he said.
"In 2000, before I had even represented the Under-19 team, I wrote down that I would represent my country in 2005. I was determined and sacrificed everything. No discos, movies, girl friends, or unwanted conversations. My focus was only cricket.
Hard working
"I worked hard and enjoyed being tired. I enjoyed the act of running in and bowling and sweating it out. Sure, I was rewarded for that. In 2000, I played for Under-19, followed by my Ranji Trophy debut in 2002, Duleep Trophy in 2003, and in 2005 I played for India A as well as my country,' he added.
Sreesanth hails from Kerala, an Indian state not reputed for unearthing cricketing talent, but he has proved himself at the highest level.
During India's recent tour of the West Indies, he had the home batsmen in all sorts of trouble and went on to even bag the prize wicket of Brian Lara. Unfortunately, despite that splendid show, he has been dropped for the forthcoming Champions Trophy.
Sreesanth is in Dubai to assist T.A. Sekar, a former Indian pacer and MRF pace foundation's chief coach, conduct a 'Speed has no limit' fast bowler's clinic at the Dubai Westminster School.
He came across as a philosopher and a fine thinker of the game.
"To be a good pacer you have to be a good thinker too," he said.
Twenty-three-year old Sreesanth showed a maturity much beyond his age and narrated at length how he tackled setbacks and his pride on becoming India's opening bowler.
"I believe in motivational and positive thinking. Autobiographies of great men always inspire me," he says.
According to Sreesanth, the turning point of his career was when he got into the MRF Pace Foundation.
"I came across famous cricketers there. I compared myself and realised where I stood. The truth was hard to accept but I accepted it and worked hard."
When I joined MRF, I wrote down that this would be my first step towards my goal... something like climbing the first step of the Sabrimala temple," pointed out a spiritual Sreesanth who practices yoga every day. "Many people have criticised me but it did'nt bother me. Retrospectively, I am thankful to them.
"If not I would have been under the assumption that I am too good for my age," he said.
Sreesanth wants to bowl India to many victories.
"I am a Malayalee and like all Malayalees, I am a hard worker. I am working towards improving my batting too. At 23, I should be even more athletic as a fielder. I hope to keep wearing the blue Indian outfit and bowl faster," he said.
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