The family was thrilled after Sree's fine bowling performance at the Wanderers.
"Everyone in Kerala was so happy. Sreesanth took five wickets, but the main thing was India's victory. There were many players who played a part in that victory, so it was a team effort. Sreesanth believes in team goals rather than individual goals," adds Dipu.
Sreesanth has made rapid strides since making his international debut in October 2005 in a one-dayer against Sri Lanka. He bagged five vital wickets in the fourth Test against the West Indies in Antigua in July, as India won its first-ever Test series in the Caribbean after 35 long years. He was dropped from the team for the ICC Champions Trophy but recalled during the tournament when Ajit Agarkar was ruled out due to injury.
"He was a bit shocked when I told him he was dropped. 'Are you lying or telling the truth?' he asked. He is just 23, so he was naturally disappointed when he first heard it. But he took it well and overcame it by carrying on his with his routine," says Dipu, adding that Sreesanth always sets long-term goals for himself and tries his best to achieve them.
"In 2000, he set the goal that he would make it to the Indian team in 2006. He had also written it down in his diary. Luckily, by the grace of God, he made it to the Indian team earlier than that. I fondly remember that even when we used to play in our backyard he used to plan to get me out. He always plans everything he does.'
"He used to me taunt when I hit him for a six or four. He used to sledge me in Malayalam. He was around 10 or 11. I was 10 years older, but he still wanted to get me out every time he bowled at me," recalls Dipu.
Sreesanth with his family. Photograph: Rajiv Iduuki
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