Sreesnath is the Rakhi Sawant of Indian cricket

15 June, 2012

Sreesanth has once again made it into the headlines - as expected for the wrong reason - after he did not vacate an emergency seat in a scheduled flight from Bangalore to Delhi, and instead hurled abuses at the cabin crew. This is not the first time that the player has landed himself in a controversy. The cricketing and non-cricketing history of Sreesnath leaves one in no doubt of his being an undisputed champion as far as controversies are concerned.

ONE WONDERS if Sreesanth has chosen the right career - as a cricketer. He could have chosen a career in Bollywood or in Tollywood as he can create drama out of nothing. He is always on the wrong side of things, thus making headlines for off-field reasons. We can compare him to Rakhi Sawant, the drama queen known for her stupid acts of fame. Is Sreesanth also following in her footsteps to get into headlines, or is it his way to remind selectors about his existence?

Sreesanth is known for his controversies more than his cricketing skills. In the latest controversy, he is said to have used abusive language when he was asked to vacate the emergency exit, and his behavior lead to the flight being delayed, said a passenger, reported Zeenews. The incident took place on a flight, which was heading towards Delhi from Bangalore. Indian cricket fans would just ignore the player for such acts, as he has brought the game into shame on a number of occasions. History proves it.

How can one forget the incident when he danced on a cricket field in South Africa with his bat held high around Andre Nel, the bolwer. It was his way of celebration after he hit a six. Thank God, he has not hit many sixes in his career. But, such was his moves after he hit that six, should the IPL franchises want a cricketer to be an IPL cheerleader, he will surely be auctioned at the highest price.

Sreesanth's histrionics remind one of Rakhi Sawant's brilliance - of landing in a soup and then converting it into publicity-driven champagne - even though some of it is media-driven. Like Sawant, Sreesanth first denies an incident and downplays its dramatic elements. and then doesn't mind the limelight that the incident receives - given that Sreesanth, by now, is a repeat offender when it comes to losing his cool in public. Perhaps, he should learn from Sawant - as to how to make negative news dance to publicity's tune.

Why is it that this cricket player showcases so much emotions on the cricket field? He has been seen weeping on a cricket field like a baby, as witnessed when he was involved in a slapgate incident with Harbhajan Singh, who is said to have slapped the player on the field. If those tears were fake or for drama, he could given some top bollywood actors and actresses a run for their money. Apart from the tearful scenes, he has also been involved in aggressive scenes, such as banging his palm on the ground many a times after taking a wicket. He has given stares to many batsmen who hits him to the boundary, as if to warn him not to hit again and play him with respect.

One of his famous rivalries has been with the Australian cricketers such as Hayden and A. Symonds. When these players were on the field together, cricket would take a back seat and fans would anticipate Sreesanth's next move. The Australians, known for their aggressive attitude, gave it back to Sreesanth, thus making an interesting sight.

The Indian fans are missing such sights as he has not been selected for the Indian team for some time, due to cricketing reasons (not off-field reasons). But, it seems that controversies follow Sreesanth wherever he goes. He has successfully managed to hit the headlines after his flight incident. Is this the last we hear about Sreesanth and his controversies? Guess not, for he loves publicity and the Indian media loves Sreesanth as a protagonist in such acts.