Sreesanth calls it quits after roller-coaster journey

TIL Desk Sports/ World Cup-winning India fast bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, one of the best outswing bowlers in the post-Kapil Dev era, retired from all forms of domestic cricket on Wednesday, drawing curtains on his tumultuous career.

Having made his international debut in an ODI against Sri Lanka at Nagpur on October 25, 2006, Sreesanth went on to win the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 and also the coveted ODI World Cup in 2011 under Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s captaincy.

The 39-year-old played 27 Tests, 53 ODIs and 10 T20Is for India, picking up 87, 75 and seven wickets respectively. He was last seen in action during Kerala’s Ranji Trophy match against Meghalaya last month when he scalped two batters in their innings and 166-run victory.

Making his announcement in a series of tweets, Sreesanth said he has chosen to end his 25 years’ career for the next generation of cricketers.  “It has been an honor to represent my family, my teammates, and the people of India. Nd everyone who loves the game. With much sadness but without regret, I say this with a heavy heart: I am retiring from the Indian domestic (first class and all formats) cricket,” the Kerala-born pacer wrote.