I want to be a boring cricketer

Humbled by his time away from the Indian team,Sreesanth wants to focus on the game

The transformation is complete,atleast if S Sreesanths latest epiphany is to be believed. From the antic-driven,adrenaline pumping,teeth-gritting entertainment that he delivered at any given opportunity,the fast bowler says he has completely dropped the act this time around. The Kerala speedster speaks to The Indian Express about turning humble and revealing his new-found knowledge on the difference between real and plastic people. Excerpts:

Would you say your return to mainstream cricket has been fruitful?

Yes,it has. Im thankful that God has been so kind to me. So far things have gone really well and I hope it continues this way. Four wickets in the last ODI Jaipur certainly helped boosting my confidence. The team has shown immense faith in my ability,which actually brings the best out of me.

Did you do anything different in your routine before your comeback?

No,nothing. In cricket,it is more about sticking to the basics. As of now,Im focusing on the top-of-off stump line,just trying to pitch it right. And theres no substitute for hard work. There are days when you get your line right and there are days when you dont. I havent changed anything.

Is there anyone in the team or the management who helps you more than others?

No,its the entire teams efforts coach Gary Kirsten,Eric Simmons,Paddy Upton,physio Ramesh Mane kaka,everyone. Im thankful to them for standing by me. I have been training hard and just trying to be humble. But,most importantly,whenever I step onto the field I try and give 200 per cent.

Is turning humble the sign of a new beginning?

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Yes it is. Im more composed now,because the last 18 months away from the team has taught me a lot. My main learning is to remain humble. Im thankful to my family and friends for that. I realised there are two kinds of people plastic ones and real ones. When we play for India,people treat us like celebrities. There were so many plastic people who tried to befriend me when I played for the country,but the moment I was dropped,only the real ones showed genuine concerns about my welfare.

Has this epiphany with regard to being humble changed your bowling?

Yes,as I said,the old Sree was more of an entertainer who loved to entertain,but without a motto in life. Now,I have a motto in place. I want to play and win as many matches as I can for my country. I dont want to be an entertainer anymore,I want to be a boring cricketer. Someone who bowls stump to stump and someone who can keep quiet. Exactly like the batsmen who frustrate bowlers,I want to be a pacer who frustrates batsmen by targeting them with only one line. I cannot afford to commit the mistakes I did last time.

Is being able to bowl in tandem with someone like Zaheer Khan a huge help?

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It sure is. If I have any doubts I walk straight to Zaheer bhai and clear my mind. Actually,this is true with every member of the team,be it Zaheer or Eric Simmons or anybody else. We have been working hard and enjoy each others successes. This team is like one big family. We are prepared for any situation and you can see how we have been able to turn matches around in our favour.

What are your expectations from the South Africa tour?

Honestly,Im not thinking too much about it. Its much better to be humble in the build-up and let the performance do the talking instead. We all want to win in South Africa and this is the best chance to win there.