Sreesanth like a ''breath of fresh air for Team India'': Chappel

Kochi, Apr 4 (UNI) Describing medium pace bowler Sreesanth as a ''breath of fresh air for all of us'', Team India coach Greg Chappel today said that the Kerala lad's entry into the team had made a big difference.

Speaking after handing over the 'Mathrubhoomi Sportstar of the Year Award' to the young Kochi bowler, Chappel said that he had joined the team only a few months ago but had already made a big difference to it.

''His bowling is like a breath of fresh air for all of us. I hope he will have a long career ahead of him,'' Chappel added.

Skipper Rahul Dravid hoped that Sreesanth would be an inspiration for other Kerala youngsters to take up the game of cricket.

Describing Kerala as a powerhouse of strong atheletes, Dravid said the state had produced great players for India.

The 'man of the moment' Sreesanth literally fumbled for words and admitted that he was ''speechless'' at the honour bestowed on him.

Even as his beaming family members looked on, he thanked the Almighty that he had taken birth in such a wonderful family. Also thanking the Kerala Cricket Association, Sreesanth said that for him to play for Team India was like a ''dream come true''.

''I do not want to make tall promises. But I know that this is the start and there's lots more to come,'' he added.

Team members including M S Dhoni, Venugopal Rao, Suresh Raina, Munaf Patel, Virender Sehwag and R P Singh cheered as Sreesanth accepted the cheque of Rs 1,00,001 and a scroll from coach Chappel.

''Fifty per cent of this should come to us,'' Dhoni was heard quipping even as Sreesanth smiled at his colleagues.

Mathrubhoomi Managing Editor P V Chandran lauded the Kochi lad for making the state proud with his achievements and said it had been the newspaper's endeavour to bring young talent under the spotlight.

Former BCCI secretary S K Nair, former criketer Sunil Valsan and DIG Padmakumar were also present on the occasion.

UNI ARC APA2047