Sreesanth, the controversial yet charismatic cricketer, is more than just his on-field exploits. His life story is a compelling blend of sporting achievements, controversies, and unexpected career turns. This post delves into the multifaceted life of Shanthakumaran Sreesanth.

Biography/Wiki

Born on February 6, 1983, in Kothamangalam, Kerala, Sreesanth’s journey began far from the cricket field. A dance champion in his 8th standard, he prioritized cricket after the 11th, leaving his studies at Bhavans Vidya Mandir, Elamakara, Kochi. Initially a leg-spinner, inspired by Anil Kumble, his elder brother encouraged him to pursue fast bowling, a decision that shaped his career.

Family

Sreesanth comes from a family with a strong government background. His father, Santhakumaran Nair, is a retired insurance officer, and his mother, Savitri Devi, a retired state government servant. He has three siblings: an elder brother, Dipu Santhan, and two elder sisters, Nivedita (a television actress) and Divya. His brother owns a music company, and his younger sister is married to famous South Indian playback singer, Madhu Balakrishnan.

He married Bhuvneshwari Kumari on December 12, 2013, at the Guruvayur Sri Krishna temple in Kerala. The couple has two children: a daughter, Sree Sanvika Sreesanth (born July 27, 2015), and a son, Suryasree Sreesanth (born November 23, 2016).

Body Measurements

Standing at 180 cm tall and weighing 80 kg, Sreesanth’s physique reflects his dedication to fitness. His impressive measurements include a 42-inch chest and 16-inch biceps. He has dark brown eyes and black hair.

Career

Sreesanth’s domestic cricket debut was in the 2002-03 season against Goa. A Ranji Trophy hat-trick against Himachal Pradesh in 2004 catapulted him into the spotlight. This led to his selection for India B in the Challenger Trophy (where he won the Man of the Series award) and ultimately, his entry into the national team for an ODI series against Sri Lanka in 2005.

His six-year international career saw him claim 87 Test wickets, 75 ODI wickets, and 7 T20 wickets. His IPL journey spanned from 2008 to 2013, playing for Kings XI Punjab, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, and Rajasthan Royals, accumulating 40 wickets in 44 matches. In 2018, he participated in Bigg Boss 12, finishing as the first runner-up.

Controversies

Harbhajan Singh vs Sreesanth

A notorious on-field incident in 2008 involving Harbhajan Singh resulted in a slap for Sreesanth. The incident, stemming from a match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab, added to Sreesanth’s already fiery reputation.

Spot-Fixing

In 2013, Sreesanth’s career took a dramatic turn with his arrest on spot-fixing charges during the IPL. This arrest alongside Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan significantly impacted his cricketing future.

Booked in a Cheating Case

In November 2023, Sreesanth faced accusations in a cheating case involving a sum of Rs 18.7 lakh. While initially implicated, he later clarified his lack of involvement with the other accused.

Style/Quotient

Beyond the cricket field, Sreesanth displays a certain flair. He owns a Jaguar XJL car and a TVS Apache bike, reflecting his personal style.

Net Worth

His net worth is estimated to be over ?8 crore.

Facts

Sreesanth’s interests extend beyond cricket:

• A passionate dancer, he’s appeared on various television dance shows.
• He briefly ventured into politics, joining the BJP in 2016 but unsuccessfully contesting the Kerala Assembly Elections.
• He’s acted in films, including Aksar 2 (Hindi) and Team 5 (Malayalam).
• His nickname is Gopu.
• He holds the distinction of being the first bowler from Kerala to take a hat-trick in the Ranji Trophy and the first from Kerala to play a T20I.
• He owns a sports shop called “S36” in Kakkanad, Kerala.

A recent incident during a Legends League Cricket match with Gautam Gambhir highlighted his continued passionate nature.

Sreesanth’s Key Stats