Dale Steyn replied to a popular cricket website ESPNcricinfo when asked a question about a batter and shot that gives fans the chills. “Sreesanth and his slog off Andre Nel for 6 with the swinging bat celebration”. Legendary,” Steyn replied.
Sreesanth and his slog off Andre Nel for 6 with the swinging bat celebration. Legendary
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) May 15, 2021
That celebration is still remembered fondly by fans and cricketers alike with even South Africa pacer Dale Steyn counting it among his favorites, terming the moment as ‘legendary’.
Years later, Sreesanth revealed the reason behind his dancing celebration that saw him wildly swinging his bat in front of Nel.
“Andre Nel was talking a lot. He kept saying that Indians don’t have a heart and that they (South Africa) were the better team. I wanted to tell him to look at the scoreboard once; we had the upper hand. I had gotten out for a duck in the first innings, and a lot of our better batsmen hadn’t scored too many runs that day.” Sreesanth told in a interview.
Watch Video : Sreesanth swinging bat celebration after hitting six vs Andre Nel
Sreesanth made his debut in ODI against England in 2005 where he struggled to take wickets. This led to him contribute to the bench strength after the match. He made his test debut in March 2006, once again facing England on the opposition. He picked up four wickets in the match, all of then in the first innings.
Sreesanth was over expressive on field and had received numerous warnings for his behaviour on the field both by the BCCI and the ICC. He entertained the crowd by his dance moves as well, which costed him his match fees. He remained away from cricket following injuries after 2008 and made guest appearances on the field thereafter. His involvement in the 2013 Indian Premier League Spot Fixing incident costed him his cricket career, after he was banned for lifetime by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
