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Dubai: Fiery Indian pacer Shanthakumaran Sreesanth has lashed out at critics who have questioned his aggressive approach to the game.
Speaking to Gulf News yesterday Sreesanth said: "I don't care who the hell is batting against me. The only thing that matters is to run at him, bowl as fast as I can and to try and get him out.
"I don't care whether it is (Andrew) Symonds, (Matthew) Hayden or (Adam) Gilchirst or anybody else, I do not respect them on the field. I only respect my teammates.
"But whatever happens on the field stays on the field."
The volatile Kerala bowler, who had famously taunted Symonds during the recent One-Day series in India, defended his actions.
"I respect Symonds as a cricketer. He is a good player. But let it be anybody, I like to play the game my way. I will be Sreesanth," he said. "I want to be unique, and like everybody, I love to maintain my identity.
"But I know my limitations and I know where to draw the line. Whatever I do, I do with a lot of spirit because I love this game." Sreesanth also insists that he has remained within the rules of the game.
"During the Australian series I was not warned nor fined," he pointed out.
"Every match was an experience. I am lucky to be playing with some great cricketers but I still consider myself a child of the game."
Asked whether he was worried about a backlash from the Australian spectators during India's forthcoming tour, Sreesanth said: "The Australian tour is after the Pakistan series. I am not worried about it. We have five One-dayers and three Tests against Pakistan.
"So for me, the Australian tour is a long way off. Right now, I am focusing only on the Pakistan series and I take one game at a time.".
Sreesanth also appealed to his critics to understand him. "I have always played cricket aggressively. This is my style," he stressed. "I have only one request to those who have been criticising me. Please, let me play the game, the way I like to play it and enjoy it."
Sreesanth was in Dubai as brand ambassador for builders, Mather Projects.
Your comments
I don't mind a cricketer?s aggression or even the occasional sledge and I think it is healthy and it keeps the game of cricket interesting. However, Sreesanth's behaviour is absolutely ridiculous and disgraceful to watch on TV. If I wanted to see people enticing others to start fights I would rather watch wrestling.
Mario
Toronto,Canada
Posted: October 28, 2007, 01:04
Sreesanth is a good player, but the word he is using - "hell" - is not good. He is respecting his own teammates, very good. But he should respect other players also in the field.
Anwar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 27, 2007, 13:06
I don?t say that Sresanth is not a good bowler, he is a great bowler. But he must have respect for anyone who plays the game. In my opinion he is overrated and shows off as if he is as good as Wasim Akram or Mac Grah. He has just stepped into his career and must look forward to it.
Abdullah
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 27, 2007, 13:02
He is right, let him play as he wants. He is not harming anyone. Australians are famous for their bad behavior. As he said it is only in the ground, he is a very humble person.
Khalid
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 27, 2007, 12:44
I have been watching cricket for the last 16 years or so, and I think Sreesanth's act in the field is like a mad dog wandering in the streets, so shameful.
Ajesh
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: October 27, 2007, 12:25
If this is what he wants then we should let him have it, remember only an individual makes the team. He is new and aggressive and after reading the article I believe he's fun to watch. As long as he's not abusive I can tolerate him but there should always be respect for any player on and off the field.
Ali
Bucharest,Romania
Posted: October 27, 2007, 12:24
This young chap appears to be too smart! He is still a beginner in the game of cricket; regretfully his behaviour on the field does not make his supporters and fellow Indians, even the cricket lovers, feel proud about him. Perhaps he might be doing all this just for the sake of publicity!!
NR
Muscat,Oman
Posted: October 27, 2007, 12:14
I know the vast majority of Indians may disagree with Sreesanth?s aggression. However, the Australians do it too, the English do it too, The South Africans always do it so why is it a big mistake when an Indian does it? Let?s all stop pointing fingers at our own players. Someone has to teach the opponents a lesson and Sreesanth?s doing it well. I just hope he gets better at his bowling, getting faster to torment the batsman, taking more wickets and giving out less runs. Then he will be more feared than ever. We need match-winners in the bowling department and if Sreesanth can convert himself to one it will be a blessing for India. Keep it up, Sreesanth.
Sanjeev
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 27, 2007, 11:21
When I watch his actions during the match really I feel shame and he should realise that he is representing a country and he should keep the manners according to our culture.
K.V.S.
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 27, 2007, 11:17
Sreesanth would do better if he could allow the ball to do the talking. There is nothing wrong in being aggressive, but it should be more on the field and it should show in the statistics, i.e. number of wickets taken and number of runs scored and not the number of times he makes fun of people with his actions.
Sanil
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 27, 2007, 07:48
I think we always needed some one like Sreesanth in the Indian team. The aggression is perfect. The Australians players always get away with all their "words" and "comments" on the field. But like Sreesanth says it should only be on the field. Indians players should also play some "mind games" like all the others. Way to go Sreesanth!!
Sanjay
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 27, 2007, 07:04
Well, we all know that he is aggressive but I must say he needs to improve his bowling as well which in recent times is not up to mark. Display some good bowling and let your critics say you are good at both.
Ashar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 27, 2007, 06:14
Drop this arrogant fellow. India can find better bowlers than him. One should know how to behave. He lacks a lot and is totally immature.
Venkat
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 27, 2007, 05:32
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