Five moments that defined Sreesanth

1. The maverick cricketer – Sreesanth vs Nel, Johannesburg, 2006

Sreesanth celebrates hitting six runs off Andre Nel

His theatrics came to the fore during the first Test against South Africa at Johannesburg in 2006. After skittling out the hosts for just 84 in an inspired display of pace and swing, India were struggling at 218/8 in their second innings when the Kerala pacer came out to bat at the fall of Laxman’s wicket.

Fast bowler Andre Nel taunted Sreesanth after the latter ducked ungainly to avoid a short-pitched delivery aimed at his body, deriding the batsman for his apparent lack of courage. Nel also pointed at the emblem on his shirt, subtly conveying that Sreesanth was a scared rabbit.

Seeing the wicket-keeper Boucher move farther behind the stumps, and also that the short-leg fielder had moved, Sreesanth expected a bouncer. He backed away to give himself room, charged down the track and sent the ball soaring into the stands for a huge six. The South Africans were stunned.

As the bemused Nel passed the Indian on his walk back to the bowling mark, Sreesanth broke out into a celebratory jig, rotating his bat like the blades of a helicopter and thrusting his hips in the manner of a horse rider. That one, single moment defined the way he was going to play the game – aggressively.

India eventually went on to win the game, and Sreesanth won the Man of the Match award for his match haul of eight wickets. His ‘moves’ brought him to the notice of a few dance reality shows, giving him ample opportunities to showcase his skills.