Former India pacer S. Sreesanth has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Having revived his first-class career recently, the sudden decision to call quits does come as a surprise to many. In February last year, the right-arm pacer played List A and T20 games for his state team Kerala after serving a ban of seven years. In 2013, he was arrested by the police alongside teammates Ajit Chadila and Ankit Chavan on charges of spot-fixing during the Indian T20 League post which BCCI banned him for life. At that time, he played for Rajasthan under the leadership of Rahul Dravid.
In 2019, the Honorable Supreme Court reduced his ban to seven years. In September next year, the 2007 20-20 World Cup winner’s ban ended, and he became eligible to play for his state team. Early last year, the board decided to stage the domestic white-ball tournaments such as Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The 2011 World Cup winner played most of the games in these tournaments.
Talking about his international career, the Kothamangalam-born player played 27 Tests and picked 87 wickets in the career. In ODIs, he played 53 games, picking up 75 scalps to his name. In T20Is, he took seven wickets in 10 games from 2006 to 2008. Meanwhile, after playing just one first-class game this year, the former India cricketer has announced his retirement on Twitter in a series of tweets.
Today is a difficult day for me, but it is also a day of reflection and gratitude. Playing for Ecc, Ernakulam district,varies diff. League and tournament teams, Kerala state cricket association,Bcci, Warwickshire county cricket team,Indian airlines cricket team,Bpcl , and ICC
— Sreesanth (@sreesanth36) March 9, 2022
ICC has been a tremendous honor. 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,
— Sreesanth (@sreesanth36) March 9, 2022
It has been an honor to represent my family, my teammates and the people of India. Nd 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 ,
— Sreesanth (@sreesanth36) March 9, 2022
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 .â¤ï¸ðŸðŸ‡®ðŸ‡³
— Sreesanth (@sreesanth36) March 9, 2022
This is how Twitter reacted
Australia was 134 for 2 from 14.3 overs while chasing 189 runs with Hayden batting on 62*(46) and Sreesanth cleans up Hayden – ended his spell on 2 for 12 from 4 overs including one maiden in T20 World Cup Semi final – Thank you, Sreesanth. pic.twitter.com/qIotYEsROp
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 9, 2022
S Sreesanth is the T20 World Cup 2007 Winner, ODI World Cup 2011 Winner. His brilliant Debut Test Match spell, Outstanding T20 World Cup 2007 SF Spell. And 169 International Wicket. And his 5/40 against SA Spell in Tests. Thank You Sreesanth for all the beautiful memories. pic.twitter.com/eL1h1OXA3h
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) March 9, 2022
Sreesanth vs Australia 2007 WC semi final
What a beast he waspic.twitter.com/OqcZRs6frL
— Jay Ponkia (@PonkiaJay) March 9, 2022
90 INTL Matches
169 WicketsSreesanth helped India win their first test on South African soil in 2006 after he took 5 wickets to force the Proteas to bundle out at 84.
Took the catch of Misbah ul Haq in the finals, and helped India lift the title.
Thank you @sreesanth36 pic.twitter.com/o7iuWUcdlU
— Ayush Prajapati (@im_ayush___) March 9, 2022
First ever Pacer to win both ODI and T20 World Cup. Was the only one to do so until 2021 T20WC. #Sreesanth â™¥ï¸ pic.twitter.com/bDmGPUhZHj
— Adish Shetty  (@36__NotAllOut) March 9, 2022
Streets will never forget this one. Wicket will remembered for ages. Thank you for everything. pic.twitter.com/hgAnuSnQXz
— 👑 (@Viraaaaaaaaat) March 9, 2022
Probably Sreesanth is going to play foreign leagues, I guess. Anyways, thanks for some really good memories.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) March 9, 2022
Thank you for the beautiful memories S Sreesanth, wish you all the best on the new beginning.#Cricket pic.twitter.com/DomTfHDrYq
— ð‚ð«ð¢ðœð¤ðžð ðŠð¢ð§ð 👑 (@imtheguy008) March 9, 2022
