S Sreesanth, India’s former cricketer has begun his preparations for the upcoming Ranji 2020-2021 season as Kerala is ready to consider him for the selection. In an interaction with PTI Sreesanth told how is planning to put his name for the upcoming IPL auction.
Training with Tim Grover
Shanthakumaran is currently preparing under the NBA physical and mind trainer coach, Tim Grover, who has previous experience of working with the likes of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Regarding the same, Sreesanth told, “Grover was one of the biggest names in the NBA. I attend Grover’s online sessions from 5.30 am to 8.30 am thrice a week. In the afternoon, I train from 1.30 pm to 6 pm at the indoor nets in Ernakulam with a lot of Kerala U-23 players and Ranji Trophy players like Sachin Baby.” He further shared, “I am bowling three hours for six days a week. First two hours with the red ball and the final hour with the white ball. So, I guess around 12 overs I am bowling every day to build stamina.”
The 37-year-old was banned for life by the Indian cricket board initially after being charged for an alleged involvement in sport-fixing during the 2013 edition of the Indian Premier League. Later the Supreme Court suggested seven years of ban instead of life ban which will come to an end in September 2020. This means the former Indian speedstar will be available for the next domestic season of the country.
Sreesanth eyeing IPL comeback
While asked about the probability of playing IPL, he said, “I will put my name for sure (at the auctions) if I am performing well, which I think I will. There are teams which will be interested and I have always told myself that I will again play IPL. That’s where I was thrown out and I will make sure I am back on that platform, win matches.”
He further opined that IPL would be the proper stage where he could give an answer of the alleged corruption charges which forced him to stay out of action for seven years. “Most of my fear was about what people would say when I play my next cricket match. I am sure all those people will realize what I went through and who are behind it. Everything will come out sooner or later. I will make sure that I have that much performance to get picked.”
At the age of 37, when most of the players look forward to retirement and plan for the life past that, Sreesanth is gearing up for a comeback. He believes that he still is able to serve cricket for at least five years and hence he is going to give it a try. “Any game brother. I am ready even if I die while playing one game. You are asking me about formats? It’s like telling a thirsty man on Sahara desert, ‘Bro, we don’t have juice and you have to make do with water’. Of course, I will play everything.”
