To the delight of many, Sreesanth has finally replaced Praveen Kumar in the 15-man World Cup squad. It's not that Praveen Kumar is not a good enough player, but Sreesanth is someone who adds that extra spark towards his side.  There are few people in the country who can embarrass Shahrukh Khan, especially when he is the host of a function. Sreesanth is one of those rare ones, who can boast of doing so. He did so when he was invited by Shahrukh to dance on stage, at an award function few years ago. The challenge was SRK would follow his moves and give up if he is unable to. Sree, who is a trained dancer, came up with moves which Shahrukh could not match up. He thus gave up the challenge. Such is the confidence of the bowler.  Sree has been fined at numerous occasions for indiscipline on and off the field. Among all those incidents, he is mostly remembered for crying inconsolably after being slapped by his 'like an elder brother' Harbhajan Singh after an IPL match.  In spite of all the penalties he has faced, he certainly deserved a place in the 15 man squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. The man has delivered whenever he has been given a chance to play for the country. In India's recent tour to South Africa, he had shown some of best bowling spells we have ever seen from him.  One of such fiery spells was witnessed on 29th Dec'10. Fourth day of the second test match played between India and South Africa. It was a day when he bowled one of the best spells of swing bowling ever! He began his spell by bowling Ashwell Prince of a ball which is a dream for every fast bowler! It was soon followed by a ‘snorter’ bowled to Kaliis, which has become the most viewed delivery on the internet in recent times. It was followed by another out swinger to get rid of Boucher!  His aggression has led to suspension and fine on several occasions, but not to forget it’s something that has got breakthroughs for India most of the times. Shaking of the hip, break dance might seem to be objectionable gestures, but so is sledging. When the Aussies are licensed to do so, why can't Sree? Is it because he is a player of the sub-continent, which has bowlers who are fined even if they stare at the batsman every now and then?  After the slapstick incident with Harbhajan Singh, he has to an extent mellowed down. He is a much simpler player, only if you don't provoke him. If you do, you can be another victim like Andre Nel. Playing in the world cup is an opportunity that comes with a lot of responsibility and I am sure if he is a part of the playing 11, he would just focus on taking wickets without reacting to them.  Now that he has replaced Praveen Kumar, I believe the cricket fans will see several of those snorters being bowled by him, in front of the electrifying home atmosphere.  Rohit Sharma's exclusion was something that is justified keeping in mind his inability to capitalize on several opportunities. But the presence of Sree will be helpful in tit for tat situations, where one has to be aggressive for a better result. The man needs no one to boost his morale. Just like Kamran Akmal, he has the habit of talking to himself. As long as the ball is in his hands, the action doesn’t stop!  The grin on his face after completing half his run up, aims for nothing more than dismantling the furniture behind the batsman.  Cricket writer: Suyash srivastava (New Delhi)   … [Read more...]