“Always rated you as a talented bowler” - Sachin Tendulkar shares message for retired Sreesanth
Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar has shared a message for S Sreesanth after the fast bowler recently announced his retirement from all forms of the game. Tendulkar said that he always rated the Kerala speedster as a talented bowler and wished him well for his post-retirement life.
The 39-year-old announced his retirement on Wednesday through a series of social media posts, stating that he wants to make way for the younger generation.
Reacting to Sreesanth’s decision, Tendulkar took to Instagram to share a flashback picture of himself with the fast bowler. Along with the image, he wrote:
“Always rated you as a talented bowler with a lot of skills. Congratulations @sreesanthnair36, on representing India over the years. All the very best for your 2nd innings.”
Sreesanth played 27 Tests and 53 ODIs during his international career, claiming 87 and 75 wickets respectively. He has also picked up seven scalps in 10 T20Is. The former pacer last represented India in 2011 and was part of the team’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup triumphs.
“I’ve cherished every moment” - Sreesanth’s shares emotional post on retirement
Explaining his decision to retire, the Kerala cricketer wrote on Twitter:
“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.”
He added in another tweet:
“For the next generation of cricketers..I have chosen to end my first class cricket career. This decision is mine alone, and although I know this will not bring me happiness, it is the right and honorable action to take at this time in my life. I’ve cherished every moment.”
The pacer was banned for life for his alleged role in the 2013 spot-fixing scandal. However, he contested the ban and got it reduced to seven years. He returned to competitive cricket by turning out for Kerala in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last season. He was part of the Kerala Ranji Trophy team that defeated Meghalaya by an innings and 166 runs in Saurashtra last month.
A couple of days after retiring, the fast bowler claimed that he had requested the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) for a farewell match but was denied the same.