Cricketer Sreesanth, a talented right-arm pace bowler, played 27 Tests, 53 ODIs, and 10 T20s for India, capturing 169 wickets across formats. Though he delivered memorable, game-winning spells, his on- and off-field controversies frequently overshadowed his on-field accomplishments.
The cricketer has been involved in several high-profile incidents over the years, including the infamous altercation with Harbhajan Singh in the IPL and the match-fixing scandal that rocked the tournament. He seems to have an uncanny ability to end up in the middle of a controversy. Here are five cricketers with whom Sreesanth has had on-field issues.
Fights of cricketer Sreesanth:
1. Gautam Gambhir vs Sreesanth:
Former Indian cricketers Sreesanth and Gautam Gambhir were recently involved in a row during a Legends League Cricket match. Sreesanth accused Gambhir of using abusive language and specifically calling him a “fixer” during an on-field altercation after the game. He also left a lengthy, critical comment on a photo Gambhir posted on social media. Sreesanth described Gambhir as ‘classless’ in his comment.
The incident prompted an investigation by the Legends League Cricket, which confirmed that any misconduct would be dealt with strictly. The LLC served Sreesanth with a legal notice demanding the removal of videos featuring Gambhir and accusing him of breaching his contract.
In the midst of a social media war, LLC organizers have addressed the issue, stating that they will conduct an “internal investigation” and that any evidence of “misconduct” will be “strictly dealt with.”
The former India fast bowler was banned for life by the BCCI’s disciplinary committee for his alleged involvement in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal, but the Supreme Court of India reduced the ban to seven years in 2019.
2. Harbhajan Singh vs Sreesanth:
The Sreesanth-Harbhajan Singh controversy occurred during the first season of the Indian Premier League in 2008, and it was widely publicized. It involved an on-field brawl between Indian cricketers Sreesanth and Harbhajan Singh, with Harbhajan slapping Sreesanth.
Harbhajan was suspended for the rest of the season, while Sreesanth was fined heavily. While the incident strained their relationship at first, both Sreesanth and Harbhajan have expressed a desire to move on. They have been seen interacting cordially in public in recent years, indicating a possible reconciliation.
During the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008, Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth got into a heated argument, and Harbhajan Singh slapped Sreesanth. The player has previously apologized for his actions and expressed regret on numerous occasions.
Harbhajan Singh was speaking about the incident that occurred after the IPL match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Lucknow Super Kings (LSG) on Monday. Gautam Gambhir was seen aggressively communicating with Virat Kohli after the game, while the other LSG players tried to calm him down. Later, in a video, Virat Kohli can be seen explaining the situation to Gautam Gambhir, but the veteran player does not appear convinced.
3. Andre Nel vs Sreesanth:
During the third Test of India’s 2006 tour of South Africa, Sreesanth and South African paceman Andre Nel had a heated rivalry. The incident, which included verbal volleys, a six-over long-on, and a celebratory dance, became a symbol of on-field passion and defiance in cricket history.
Nel, known for his aggressive bowling and sledging, was peppering Sreesanth with short balls and verbal jabs, calling his bravery and ability into question. The stage was set for a dramatic showdown with India comfortably ahead. Nel persisted with his verbal assault, attempting to get under Sreesanth’s skin.
The Indian pacer, on the other hand, remained focused and determined. When Nel bowled a short ball aimed at Sreesanth’s body, the moment of reckoning arrived. Sreesanth lofted the ball for a six-over long-on, sending it soaring over Nel’s head in a display of remarkable timing and power.
Sreesanth felt that six was insufficient. He let loose a wild celebration, dancing in the middle of the field and waving his bat in the air. This act of defiance fueled the already smouldering atmosphere.
4. Matthew Hayden vs Sreesanth:
Sreesanth and Matthew Hayden’s problems began when the former, after dismissing him in one game, gave the Australian an aggressive send-off in South Africa’s inaugural World T20. Hayden was unimpressed, and they faced off again in the IPL in 2009. Hayden smashed Sreesanth for two sixes before dismissing him for the last laugh.
Cricketer Hayden described Sreesanth as an ‘overrated bowler’ in the post-game press conference. Sreesanth sledged Hayden during the game, according to Hayden. Sreesanth, on the other hand, denied sledging the southpaw, contradicting Hayden.
5. Kevin Pietersen vs Sreesanth:
Sreesanth and Kevin Pietersen had a fiery on-field rivalry that extended beyond the realms of sports. Their clashes, which were marked by aggression, controversy, and flashes of brilliance, became a topic of discussion in the cricketing world.
The simmering tension between the two players reached a boiling point during India’s 2007 tour of England during the second Test. Sreesanth, known for his fiery temper and pace, bowled a beamer at Pietersen, causing outrage and condemnation.
For the incident, Sreesanth was fined 50% of his match fee, and many felt he should have received a harsher penalty. The bowler, however, insisted that the beamer was unintentional and was the result of his frustration with Pietersen’s aggressive batting. Many commentators thought the Indian pacer should be banned for one game for bowling such a dangerous delivery.
So, this was all about the ace Indian cricketer Sreesanth. Also read, Fans reaction: Cricketer Gambhir upcoming podcast teaser!
