Indian Cricket’s enfant terrible

A week away from cricket is a sure one-off but sometimes a welcome change, for it helps you grow in the eyes of your family. For most fans and erstwhile aspirants it is unthinkable to let go an opportunity to see an international match in the thrilling environs of a stadium. Mine was a gargantuan sacrifice. So, while I journeyed the south of the Indian peninsula, testifying my sacrifice in the larger interest of my travel-hungry siblings, India played Australia at Bangalore.

It poured heavy in Bangalore. Match abandoned. The guilt was now off me and I was able to enjoy the remaining part of our trip. While I trundled along the east coast, the Indian team headed towards the west of Bangalore to the coastal town of Kochi. And rains decided to chase them there too.

The rains stayed away on the day of the match this time. But everything else was the same, the intensity, Indian batting, Australian fielding, and last but not the least the verbal duels. Aussies need no introduction when it comes to sledging and neither does a certain Mr. Sreesanth.

Sreesanth and his theatrics were apparent yet again, this time in front of his home crowd. Not a good enough reason for his rather embarrassing and foolish display of aggression. Obviously the Kerala lad has made enough money, reason why he cares little about fee cuts and perhaps none about impending match bans.

His on-field behavior is no more seen in the same vein as it was when he danced Kathakali alongside an ever so garrulous and annoying Andre Nel, after hitting him for a six, which ironically was a slap for the excessive gutter dished out by Nel. Ever since, this enfant terrible of Indian cricket has been uncontrollable for almost everyone.

Surprisingly, there haven’t been too many people from the Indian cricketing fraternity who’ve chided the erratic fast bowler. Some one needs to knock some sense in to his head, a thin line between bravery and foolishness, between aggression and infantile behavior. Sreesanth knows none.

His supporters (not a surprise all current players) put up a weak defense for him, citing his exceptional talent (yet to be seen) and ability to swing the ball (now, was that really on display in England?).

Considering the fact that his performances at best have been average, the Indian team could well do without this on-field embarrassment. As for Sreesanth he can look forward to displaying his theatrics in his first Malyalam movie!