One for the Masses...

     “Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, and riches take wings. Only one thing endures and that is character.” - Horace Greeley.

     Long back I had promised myself that when my blogs would be consistent, I would post one regarding an Indian cricketer. We hate him; yes it’s pretty clear that we despise his attitude and arrogance. And the saying, “Pride comes before a fall” hardly seems to affect him because it provides the attention he seeks. Yet, every single time India plays a test match, he’s one of the forerunners for a 3-pronged pace attack. Introducing India’s bad boy cricketer (hold on, it’s not Yuvraj Singh), Kerala’s lone representative on the world stage (most mallus disregard and disown him), Shantakumaran S……. (last name hidden not due to copyright infringements, rather unsure about the most recent way to spell it). With an approach towards the bowling crease that reminisces of Alan Donald, a straight seam release of the cricket cherry that would make most experts drool, and a consistency in pace, Sreesanth has it all. Well, not exactly. Sans a level-headed maturity and common sense, that might eventually lead him to the ranks of a certain Shoaib Akhtar or a forgotten Dominic Cork (Symo doesn’t fit the list because he went fishing while I was preparing it).

     It’s true that Sree’s a born entertainer, the kind that sparks a viewer interest beyond the technicalities of the game. He brings in an additional dimension to the boring nature of test matches, (no room for hypocrisy) once we’re though with Sehwag’s pyrotechnics. It has it all to make a Karan Johar blockbuster, dance (he’s pretty good on his feet), drama and even wee bit of action (Bhaji let the hand do the talking). And to add to it, he’s plain stupid and proud of it. In a way, it’s been effective since it not only distracts him but the opposition as well. And the success speaks for itself in his record on minefields in South Africa and West Indies, even on a dead wicket against Sri Lanka in Kanpur last year (usually that’s an opportunity for Mahela to add to his double hundreds). It does look like Sree would be a horrible investment banker once he’s done with his cricketing career, with all that match fees docked due to bad behavior. It doesn’t help him that the ICC tends to be harsh towards cricketers from the sub-continent. I’m for one who feels that his outbursts aren’t far off from the Aussie and English gamesmanship, commonly known as “sledging.”

     But he’s achieved his immortality in Kerala’s sporting history right next to the Payyoli Express, P T Usha (God, I can imagine the grimace on her face) having made it to the Indian team. He’s still touted to be one of the top Indian fast bowlers if he manages to keep his antics in check and his fitness as well. Sree’s the beacon of light for the darkness that had enclosed Kerala’s cricketers, having proven that the gateways to being an international cricketer are within grasps of talented players. I remember an interview on a local channel with one of Kerala’s famed IPS officers. The officer felt that it wasn’t fitness concerns that marauded Sreesanth’s ability, rather the ability to handle mental stress. Sree was quick to retort that if the officer was able to produce another International cricketer from Kerala, his views would be justified.

     The fact remains that the media does not stay too far from what he does on and off the field. As for antics, Ganguly’s bare-chested jig from the balcony at Lord’s and Prasad’s animated gesture at the quarter finals of the World Cup in ’96 draws comparisons with Sree’s tryst with Nel. And it was no small deal, carting an angry fast bowler over the sightscreens for a six. It epitomized the spirit within him, a sight of Don Quixote flaying the windmills.

P.S: In the English-language media, Sreesanth's full name has been the source of some confusion. He has been variously referred to as "Sree Sreesanth", "Sri Sreesanth", "Shantha Sreesanth", and "Shanthakumaran Sreesanth". He has also stated in the past that he wished to be known as "Sree Santh".