The 2007 T20 World Cup winner S. Sreesanth announced his retirement from all forms of domestic cricket in India, bringing an end to a tumultuous career.
The 39-year-old finished his first-class career with 213 wickets in 74 games. While his List-A career ended with 124 wickets in 92 matches. The Indian fast bowler also made 65 appearances in T20 matches, taking 54 wickets. Sreesanth made his India debut in an ODI against Sri Lanka in October 2005, and he went on to take 75 wickets in 53 outings for India in 50-over cricket. The Indian seamer also represented India in 27 Tests and 10 Twenty20 Internationals, taking 87 and seven wickets respectively.
S. Sreesanth last played for India in an international match against England at the Oval in 2011. He has played in the Indian Premier League for Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals, taking 40 wickets in 44 games. His last IPL match was for the Royals versus Punjab on May 9, 2013, during the season in which he was arrested on suspicion of spot-fixing.
Along with Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila, Sreesanth was given a life sentence from cricket. Meaning, he could now never represent India in any formate of the game. However, he appealed to the Supreme Court, which overturned the life ban and ordered the BCCI to seek a new sentence. The punishment was lowered to a seven-year suspended term that expired in September 2020.
As a result of this, his career took a big helt. Thus, he is yet unable to recover his image as a cricketer which he made during the 1st edition of the T20 World Cup.
S. Sreesanth comments over his retirement from the Indian domestic cricket
After completing his ban period the Kothamangalam born cricketer use to play for Kerala in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2021.
In the ongoing edition of the Ranji Trophy, he made his Ranji Trophy comeback. He even put his name forward for the IPL big auction, but no one seemed interested.
In a statement tweeted on Twitter, S. Sreesanth stated
“During my 25 years career as a cricket player, I’ve always pursued success and winning cricket games, while preparing and training with the highest standards of competition, passion and perseverance,”
“It has been an honor to represent my family, my teammates and the people of India. And everyone who loves the game. With much sadness but without regret, I say this with a heavy heart: I am retiring from the Indian domestic (first class and all formats) cricket.”
The 39-year-old further added
“For the next generation of cricketers..I have chosen to end my first class cricket career. This decision is mine alone, and although I know this will not bring me happiness, it is the right and honorable action to take at this time in my life. I’ve cherished every moment,”
