Table of Contents
Former Indian fast bowler S Sreesanth, who backed MS Dhoni for India coach role, has opened up about one of the darkest phases of his life. He revealed how the support of his wife Bhuvneshwari helped him survive the most difficult period of his life that changed everything for him and his family.
Sreesanth was part of India’s historic 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup-winning teams. He played 27 Tests, 53 ODIs, and 10 T20Is for India. But back in 2013, the fast bowler’s life took a shocking turn. Sreesanth was arrested for his alleged involvement in the IPL spot-fixing case along with Rajasthan Royals players Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan.
How Sreesanth first met Bhuvneshwari Devi
Looking back at those painful days, S Sreesanth shared that the support of Bhuvneshwari and her family helped him during that phase. The former cricketer revealed that they first met during an event around an India-Pakistan match back in 2007.
Over the years, Bhuvneshwari and Sreesanth’s friendship grew stronger despite their different backgrounds and busy lives. With time, the bond between the two also became stronger, but their relationship faced a setback in 2013 when he was accused of match-fixing.
Sreesanth was quoted as saying by NDTV: “The first meeting was in the school where I had gone as a guest; the second meeting was the very next day on the ground; the third meeting was after three years poolside with Uncle; the fourth meeting was in Indore; the fifth meeting was when we got engaged when I was out on bail.”
One of the main reasons I didn’t kill myself is her: Sreesanth
The former cricketer spent nearly a month in Tihar Jail after spending several days in police custody. He admitted that those days were extremely difficult and that he wanted to kill himself, but it was his future wife that saved him and married him amid the challenges.
He added, “When I was there, one of the main reasons I didn’t kill myself is her. I had promised her in 2010 that if we won the 2011 World Cup, I would marry her. I met her when she was in 10th grade in 2007, and we were in touch till 2013. She is the main reason I got bail.”
Bhuvneshwari and her family stood like a rock behind Sreesanth
The former Indian bowler shared that Bhuvneshwari’s and her family’s support gave him the strength to keep fighting. Having reignited IPL Slapgate controversy, Sreesanth also revealed that she helped during the legal process.
Sreesanth added, “Those 12 days in the Delhi Police cell and 27 days in Tihar jail made me realize that the problems we face in normal life are nothing. I used to hear that years pass for a trial. That incident made me strong. At that time, I was thinking about my mother and father, about the niece and nephew. I didn’t let them go to school back then. For a full month, the focus was only on me nationwide.”
After clearing his name, Sreesanth retired from Indian domestic cricket in 2022 but continues to play in other tournaments, including the Legends League Cricket and the Big Cricket League.
