‘Why cant I be captain?’

For almost his entire career,Sreesanth has carried a handle with care tag,and been a problem child for his captain.

For almost his entire career,Sreesanth has carried a handle with care tag,and been a problem child for his captain. But the 26-year-old paceman,now set to get a taste of life from the other side after being confirmed as the new Kerala skipper,cant understand why people are doubting his ability to fit into the new role.

I am a senior cricketer,having played at the highest level. I was expecting the job, Sreesanth told The Indian Express on Thursday. Ive never missed a training session in my life,and Ive always given my 100 per cent on the field. I have never really understood why Im always questioned about discipline.

The decision to appoint Sreesanth,Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) secretary TC Mathew said,had ended up being very popular. He has a lot of international exposure,which makes him perfect for the job. We (the KCA) had a discussion with the selectors and they were of the same opinion, he said.

Apart from his routine histrionics,Sreesanth has often been pulled up for his seemingly over-the-top celebrations,facing the wrath of match officials and the media. But he complains against the absence of a fixed yardstick in relation to his supposed misdemeanours,saying the hype around them is surprising because of its inconsistency.

There are always things said about how I react after taking a wicket. Ive been following the ongoing Ashes series and some of the celebrations are much more dramatic than mine,but nobody talks about them in a negative light. One should be allowed to display some emotion on the field.

Tinus thumbs-up

Tinu Yohannan is no stranger to Sreesanths antics,having played with him since his school days. The former India fast bowler,who played three Tests and three ODIs,is most interested in seeing how Sreesanths character will rub off on the team,like any captains does in some measure on the boys hes leading.

Each captain has his own character. Im sure Sree will bring his character to the field. Hes a true fighter and it will definitely change the outlook of our team, Yohannan said,adding that Sreesanths seemingly outlandish attitude was an on-field phenomenon that rarely surfaced off the field. He is always ready to talk and mingle with the other players and is a big inspiration for the youngsters in the squad and a great motivator. Hes played his cricket aggressively ever since the school days. Its difficult for him to change.

Big dreams

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For Sreesanth,the major responsibility this season will be to put Kerala cricket on the map,to make people take notice. Leading the team to the final of the Ranji Trophy Plate Division,and consequently to the quarter-finals of the Elite division,is his primary objective. Were working towards a three-year plan, hoping to win the Ranji Trophy by 2012. I want my team to make a serious impact on every opponent we face this season,whether we win or not, he said.

The fast bowling department is really good, he praised his colleagues,there are a number of youngsters coming through to support Tinu and me. I might even end up bowling first-change as well be playing five of our games in the northern states,with three or four pacemen per match.

Injuries,especially a serious stress fracture in the back,have been one of the reasons for Sreesanths prolonged absence from Indian team. I was never really dropped from the team because of form. It was always injuries that kept me out. Though the competition for spots in the fast-bowling department is tight,Im sure I will fight my way back, he said.

So finally,after months of making headlines mainly on the entertainment pages,Sreesanth is starting to make a return to the sports section.