"I Was Angry": S Sreesanth Opens Up On 'Abusing Rahul Dravid' Claims In IPL 2013

S Sreesanth displayed his skills with the ball early in the career but it was overshadowed due to his repulsive behaviour. He often used to display unusual antics on the field for which he got pulled up. Sreesanth was involved in an alleged spot-fixing case in IPL 2013 while plying his trade for Rajasthan Royals (RR) and was subsequently handed a life-ban by the cricket board. However, after not being found guilty, his life-ban was reduced to seven years which comes to an end in September this year.

Former Rajasthan Royals coach Paddy Upton in his book ‘The Barefoot Coach’ had said Sreesanth had an argument with Rahul Dravid and used inappropriate words against them. The incident took place a few days before he was arrested for his alleged spot-fixing scandal in the IPL 2013.

S Sreesanth: I was angry because was not a part of team

S Sreesanth rubbished all the claims made by Paddy Upton in his book, saying, he could never abuse a man like Rahul Dravid. He, however, admitted that he was angry because of not being a part of the squad during a match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and asked for the reason behind being snubbed.

“I could never disrespect a man like Rahul Dravid. He is the best captain. I was angry because I was not part of the squad during the CSK match. I asked the reason for the same,” Sreesanth said on Helo Live on Friday.

“Yes, I wanted to play against CSK and wanted to win against them. But I don’t know the exact reason for keeping me out. In the Durban match, I bowled to MS Dhoni and took his wicket. After that match, I did not get any chance to play against CSK. Team management never gave me proper reason. I don’t hate Dhoni or CSK, but I go with colour. CSK jersey looks like the Australian jersey,” he added.

The Kerala fast bowler has played 27 Tests, 53 ODIs and 10 T20 Internationals for India, claiming 169 wickets in all. He last played for India back in 2011.