A problem child called Sreesanth

Down and out: Catalogue of errors, plus the recent spot-fixing scandal, has thrown Sreesanth in a murky pit

Sreesanth has done it again. Always in the thick of controversy, Sreesanth this time has done something so horribly wrong that it could mar his career for life. Cricket, instead of being a source of entertainment and passion has added on to the corruption stigma to itself. Sreesanth chose and took a wrong path because of which he now finds himself amid the marshy land. He has been more or less proven guilty of spot fixing. With Delhi police giving enough evidences, it is implied that it can send the fast bowler packing behind the bars.

Sreesanth has always been no less than a problem child for every cricket association with which he has been associated. Kerala Cricket Association gave the maverick fast bowler number of warnings. Same goes for the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI). Each and every skipper he has played under gave him advice as well as an ultimatum to improve his behavior or face the wrath, but to no avail.

His behavioral problems started early on in his career when he infamously clashed with Harbhajan Singh in a Challenger Trophy match. But his most offending act- when after bowling out cricketing God Sachin Tendulkar with a beauty , he mocked him. Tendulkar, known for his calm stature, also angrily told him not to come this close to him ever again. The volume of the incident was less as it was a domestic match but Sree caught attention for all the wrong reasons.

Sreesanth tantrums continued as during the first ever T-20 world cup in South Africa, he mocked Mathew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist after picking up their wicket during the semi-final clash. He was rapped by ICC and BCCI for this behavior.

In the first edition of Indian Premium League in 2008, Sreesanth again found himself in the ‘slapgate’ controversy. After the match between Kings XI Punjab whom he was representing and Mumbai Indians, Sreesanth amid the wild celebrations shook hands with the then-Mumbai Indians Captain Harbhajan and said “hard luck”. Bhaji miffed with the loss and the perceived mockery, slapped him. That incident impacted Bhajji dearly as he was banned for the remaining season and subsequently for five ODI’s.

During the English tour, he shoulder barged Captain Michael Vaughan, and later infamously collided with Andrew Symonds during a ODI match in India after taking the latter’s wicket. He was penalized by ICC when he mocked Hashim Amla during a Test match in South Africa. During the same series, after facing a series of difficult to negotiate bouncers, he hit a six off Andre Nel and danced before him. He was let off for this un-gentleman-like behavior but caught eye of each and everyone.

But this time Sreesanth has gone one step ahead and created a murky pit for himself from which escaping out looks a far and distant possibility. With each passing day new secrets are getting busted and the situation looks bleak for this fast bowler.

As a cricket fan, one feels it as an incidence enough to rip apart the mighty Indian Cricket. A premium fast bowler who has displayed his skills well enough for his national side, indulging in this kind of act is a shameful thing. He has brought disgrace to his donning of national colors and should be banned for life if proven guilty by court.

As a vociferous fan of cricket, we have seen and loved his antics and display of emotions but he has taken a big leap in the dirty game of spot-fixing and should be taught a big lesson good enough to remind each and every player around the earth to follow honesty and skills to move forward in any game and try not to sell sports just to make some quick money by being dishonest to your game.