S Sreesanth turns to sledging in Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 warmups

S Sreesanth, the tainted Indian fast bowler, is all set to make his return to competitive cricket during the 2021 edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy. The tournament gets underway on January 10 and the right-arm speedster is set to play for Kerala, a team that includes the likes of Sanju Samson. Sreesanth’s selection was subject to his fitness levels.

He was initially picked among the probables after which he made the final squad. Recently, he posted a video where he could be seen, taking his Kerala cap prior to the T20 tournament. Suresh Raina, the former Indian cricketer, also wished him luck ahead of his cricketing endeavour.

Raina, who retired from international cricket back in August 2020, said that he couldn’t wait to see the magic spells from Sreesanth. In the meantime, Sreesanth is gearing up for the SMAT tournament. He played in a few warm-up matches to get back into the thick of things.

During the games, he brought forth his aggressive nature. He bowled at full speed and was seen sledging the batsmen. During his heydays, he was known for his celebrations and animated outlook on the cricket field.

Here’s the video:

S Sreesanth looking to make it to 2023 World Cup squad

Sreesanth is looking forward to the future and also wants to represent India in the 2023 World Cup. “Both Tinu and Sanju Samson have said they want to gift the trophy to me as I make a comeback. But I am not looking only at Mushtaq Ali but also to win Irani and Ranji. If I do well, I will get more opportunities.

“I have been getting inquiries for IPL, too, and I have to make sure that I am fit and bowling well,” Sreesanth was quoted as saying in The Times of India.

“I am not just looking at the season ahead but at the next three years. My real goal is to be in the 2023 World Cup team and win the cup,” he had mentioned. At the age of 37, it seems improbable for him though to make a national comeback.

Sreesanth last competitive cricket in the 2013 IPL and last donned the national jersey during the 2011 tour of England. The pacer was also a part of the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 50-overs World Cup-winning Indian squads.