S Sreesanth Reveals The Reason Behind Wearing Jersey Number 369

Published - 14 Jan 2021, 09:58 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:39 AM

S Sreesanth (Credits: Twitter)

Former India fast-bowler S Sreesanth made his much-anticipated return to competitive cricket through the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The right-arm fast-bowler is plying his trade for his home state Kerala. S Sreesanth returned to competitive cricket after serving a seven-year ban. In 2013, he was banned for his involvement in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal.

On his return which was against Puducherry, he picked up one wicket for 29 runs, helping Kerala start their campaign with a win. He, however, failed to make an impression in his second outing which was against Mumbai on Wednesday. The 37-year old went wicketless while conceding 47 runs in his four overs. Fortunately, Kerala won the game after chasing down 197 in just 15.5 overs.

In addition to his return to cricket after such a long time, S Sreesanth has also caught the attention of the fans with his unusual jersey number. The World Cup-winner is playing with a jersey number of 369 instead of his regular jersey number 36 in the ongoing tournament. And in a recent interview with ETV Bharat, S Sreesanth revealed the reason behind it.

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The veteran star said that he changed his jersey number because of his daughter’s birth date, who was born on May 9. S Sreesanth further added that his wife Bhuvneshwari Kumari is called ‘Nayan’ at home, which sounds like nine.

“This time I will be wearing jersey number 369 instead of 36. 9 because my daughter Srisanvika was born on May 9. Srisanvika means Lakshmi. Everyone knows my wife is called at home ‘Nayan’. So it sounds like 9. This is the reason I have decided to wear jersey number 369,” said S Sreesanth.

He further spoke about his goal of donning the Indian jersey once again. S Sreesanth has not played for the national team since 2011, the year in which he helped India win the 50-over World Cup at home. But before dreaming about playing for India, S Sreesanth made it clear his immediate goal is to return to the first-class cricket to assist the Kerala side win the Ranji Trophy and the Irani Trophy.

“Everyone wants to play for the country. It is a different feeling. I want to return with long hair and better fitness. My goal is to start with first-class cricket, and it is going to start very soon, maybe in September or October. All I want is to help Kerala to win the Ranji Trophy and the Irani Trophy. If I get to play for India again in that way, then that would be great,” said S Sreesanth.