IPL was where I was thrown out, I’ll make sure that I’m back on that platform: Sreesanth

S Sreesanth, the controversial Indian fast bowler, hasn’t lost hopes of making his return to the Indian Premier League (IPL). It was in the cash-rich T20 league itself where the speedster last played a competitive match. There he was found guilty of spot-fixing along with Ajit Chandila and Ankit Chavan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (ICC) thereafter slapped him with a life ban.

But last year, after a lot of hustles, Sreesanth’s ban was reduced to seven years and it ends on September this year. The veteran is now determined to stage a comeback to the same platform where his career went to the doldrums while playing for the Rajasthan Royals (RR). He wants to make amends, conquering his fears.

I want to face the fear: Sreesanth

“There are teams which will be interested and I have always told myself that I will again play IPL. That’s where I was thrown out and I will make sure I am back on that platform, win matches. The only place through which I can give an answer is through IPL even if I play for India. I want to face the fear and that’s the only way to live life,” Sreesanth was quoted as saying in Sportskeeda.

Sreesanth has plied his trade in 44 matches in the IPL from 2008 to 2013, picking up 40 wickets. During this while, apart from the Royals, the talented fast bowler represented the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and the Kochi Tuskers Kerala as well.

After a gap of more than seven years, he is again set to make a comeback. He has been considered to play for Kerala in the upcoming edition of the Ranji Trophy. However, Tinu Yohanan, Kerala’s head coach, was clear-cut in saying that Sreesanth’s selection depends on whether he’s able to attain the desired level of fitness.

Sreesanth has been working on his fitness with NBA training coach Tim Grover, who had previously worked with Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. He is also with the Kerala U-23 players and the Ranji cricketers. Sachin Baby, who plays for Kerala, recently said that Sreesanth has been bowling well in the nets.