I'm Not Giving Up: Sreesanth's Message To His Fans Post IPL Auction Snub

Former Indian pacer Sreesanth is disappointed on missing out from the final shortlist of players who will go under the hammer in the upcoming Indian Premier League [IPL] but he hasn’t lost hope of making a return to the cash-rich league.

Sreesanth was one among the 1114 players who threw their hat in the ring for the mini IPL auction 2021. However, he could not find a place in the final list of 292 players which was announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India on Thursday.

Sreesanth, who has previously represented franchises like the Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals, last played in the cash-rich league in 2013. The 2011 World Cup winner, however, got embroiled in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal, and he, along with his two Rajasthan Royals teammates Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan.

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The BCCI immediately slapped Sreesanth with a life ban. However, in 2015, all three were acquitted by the Supreme Court. Then in 2019, the life ban was reduced to just seven years by Ombudsman, Justice (Retd.) DK Jain.

Sreesanth recently made his return to domestic cricket as he featured for Kerala in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy. Following his snub from the auction list, the fast bowler took to his official Instagram account where he thanked his fans for their constant support besides asserting that he will continue to work hard and hopefully make a return in the following seasons.

“Just wanna thank all the support you have been showing. Honestly thought I would have been there but it okay, I would have to work really really hard. If I could wait for 8 years then I would love to wait for some more time,” Sreesanth said.

”I’m not giving up. I am just 38, so I am gonna make sure I work hard. If I am destined to be there playing then I’ll play next season. If not, then next to next season. I’m not giving up,” he added.

Sreesanth also went on to give the example of West Indian swashbuckler Chris Gayle, who went unsold in the 2011 auction but got a surprise call midway through the season as a replacement for Dirk Nannes. Gayle made full use of the opportunity as he smashed the opposition bowling units with disdain, spearheading his side RCB to the final.

“Hopefully, I’ll get a surprise call like the way Chris Gayle got and he came back and started scoring,” Sreesanth said.

Sreesanth might have not have got an opportunity this time around but he will be looking to prove his credentials to everyone in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy.

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