Sreesanth hopes to play IPL: The veteran fast bowler will be eligible to return to the sport in September this year.
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Veteran fast bowler Sreesanth, whose seven-year ban will come to an end in September this year, sounds eager to return to competitive cricket even at the age of 37.
Sreesanth, who was earlier pining for an IPL comeback to combat fears, has one again confirmed that he will put his name up for IPL 2021 auction. “Obviously I will put my name in IPL 2021 Auction,” Sreesanth was quoted as saying by CricTracker during an Instagram live session.
Considering the threat caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s a slight possibility of overseas players opting out of the tournament. Elaborating on the same, the right-hand bowler considers it to be an opportunity for Indian players like himself.
“Even in this season some foreign players might not play and more Indians might be picked in the squads, then I have a chance to play,” Sreesanth said.
Sreesanth hopes to play IPL for either of Mumbai Indians, CSK or RCB
Having made his Indian Premier League debut for Kings XI Punjab in the inaugural season, Sreesanth also represented Kochi Tuskers Kerala (2011) and Rajasthan Royals (2013) in the cash-rich league. In 44 IPL matches, he has picked 40 wickets at an average of 29.85, an economy rate of 8.14 and a strike rate of 22.
Sreesanth, who played 55 out of his 90 international matches across formats alongside legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar, hoped to reunite with him at Mumbai Indians where the latter plays the role of a mentor.
“I will play for whatever team I get picked. But, as a cricket fan, it’s Men In Blue Mumbai Indians, because of Sachin bhaji, I played cricket to meet Sachin Tendulkar. If I get an opportunity to play for Mumbai Indians, why not, it will be a great thing to learn from Sachin bhaji from dressing room,” Sreesanth added.
Other than the four-time champions, Sreesanth also desired to play under any one out of former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and current India captain Virat Kohli at Chennai Super Kings or Royal Challengers Bangalore respectively. “Also, I would love to play under [MS] Dhoni bhai or RCB as well,” Sreesanth further said.
