S Sreesanth was one of the key pacers for Team India after he made his rapid strides in international cricket not just because of his sheer pace but aggressiveness and attitude that stood him out among other players in the team.
Sreesanth's bowling brilliance blended with a combination of pace and aggression that him a formidable force to be reckoned with for Indian cricket. Former Indian pacer would always bring intimidating presence to the field coupled with aggressive celebration. S Sreesanth was one of the reliable bowlers for Team India and keeping him out of the team was a difficult choice.
Sreesanth's aggression might go over the top but it had always put opponents off. The favourite child of aggression in Indian cricket, forever temperamental but a brilliant bowler, Sreesanth is a cricketer who had a roller-coaster personality.
As Sreesanth turns 41 on Tuesday, let's take a look at some of his iconic moments in his career.
1. Send-off to Mathew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist
One of the top iconic moments in Sreesanth's career was his aggressive celebration followed up with fiery send-off to Australian cricketers Mathew Hayden and Andrew Symonds during the 2007 T20 World Cup in South Africa.
It was crucial wickets for Team India as the Men in Blue were chipping away from Australia's dominance. Sreesanth first cleaned up Gilchrist for 22. Then, he was brought into attack in 15th over and picked a big wicket for Team India by bowling out dangerous Mathew Hayden for 62. He finished figures of 2/12 at an economy rate of 3 in four overs. on
2. Deadly bouncer to Jacques Kallis
Former South Africa all-rounder faced a deadly bouncer off Sreesanth during the Test match in Durban in 2010. It was called among the balls of the century in international cricket. Sreesanth's bouncer was unplayable delivery as Kallis tried to avoid the ball to hit on his helmet but unfortunately it hit on his gloves and caught by Sehwag.
Jacques Kallis might not have seen Sreesanth's coming in and managed to escape himself from getting hit on his helmet. South Africa was chasing the target of 303 but bundled out for 215. Sreesanth registered figures of 3/45 in 14 overs.
3. Bat-weaving counter aggression to Andre Nel
One of the favourite moments for Indian cricket fans was his bat-weaving aggression to South African pacer Andre Nel in a Test match in Johannesburg in 2007. The two were involved in an heated exchange that led to Sreesanth hit for a six off Nel's delivery and danced in aggression by weaving his bat.
Years later, Sreesanth revealed to Sportskeeda that Andre Nel sledged him by saying 'You are not enough'. Thus, former India pacer decided to take on Nel by hitting six down the ground. In that Test, Sreesanth was adjudged Player of the match for his 8-wicket haul.
Beamer delivery to Kevin Pietersen
During India's tour of England in 2007, Sreesanth sent down a beamer to Kevin Pietersen, who feared for his safety after the ball went over his head. Pietersen's head managed to sway away and the England batter fell down. It was one of the most lethal and deadly deliveries by Sreesanth in his career.
Sreesanth's beamer was called on for his aggressive tactics. Former England captain Mike Atherton was one of the opinion that the ex-Indian pacer should have been given a one-match for his delivery. Kevin Pietersen himself admitted that he feared his delivery when Sreesanth delivered a beamer.
Sreesanth made his international debut for Team India in a Test match against England in 2006. Since then, the 41-year-old played 90 matches and scalped 169 wickets for India in international cricket. His last appearance for national team was in a Test match against England at The Oval in August 2011.
In 2022, Sreesanth made his comeback to Ranji Trophy after nine years for the match between Kerala and Meghalaya and picked two wickets. Thereafter, former Indian pacer decided to call it quits from his cricketing career in order to make space for youngsters.
