My Real Goal Is To Be In The 2023 World Cup Team And Win It: S Sreesanth

While S Sreesanth is yet to mark his return to high-profile cricket, the former India fast-bowler is already eyeing to don the Indian jersey once again. The pacer is all set to make his comeback to domestic cricket after a long wait of seven years. He was recently named in Kerala’s probable list for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

In September this year, he became eligible to play again after his lengthy ban ended. In August last year, the BCCI had cut short the life ban imposed on him for the IPL spot-fixing scandal in 2013.  BCCI ombudsman DK Jain had ordered for S Sreesanth’s spot-fixing ban to be reduced to a seven-year suspension.

The World Cup-winner is now all geared up to make a sensational return to the game. He will be joining Kerala’s conditioning camp for the T20 tournament where he will be training with the likes of Sanju Samson and others as the state team looks to get their campaign underway. And ahead of his much-anticipated return to cricket, he has made his plans clear.

S Sreesanth has said that he is not only eyeing a return to the national team but also has his eyes set on the 2023 World Cup which is scheduled to be played in India. S Sreesanth has not played an international game since August 2011. He was an important part of the Indian teams who had won the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 World Cup.

He will be 40 when the next 50-over World Cup gets underway. However, the age factor is not bothering S Sreesanth as he said he is drawing inspiration from the likes of Leander Paes, Roger Federer, and Sachin Tendulkar among others.

“It is true that it is the kind of age when there is nothing much left to achieve in sports. But then, someone like Leander Paes won a grand slam at 42. Roger Federer is another case in point,” S Sreesanth was quoted as saying by Times of India.

“As a fast bowler, I will be creating history but then, I like to create history. 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 added.

S Sreesanth further expressed his delight over returning to action at the iconic Wankhede Stadium where he had played his last international game in the country. He also said that Kerala have the team to finally win the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

“Our first match will be at the Wankhede stadium where I had played my last India match, so life is coming full circle. Kerala has never won this tournament but we have a very good team now. I am excited to be part of this unit and also play under the guidance of coach Tinu Yohannan,” said Sreesanth.

“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,” he added.

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