Sreesanth wants to achieve 150 kmph speed

Bangalore, May 4 (UNI) Pace is not the only name of the game for speedster Sreesanth, India's new bowling sensation, as he wants to touch the 150 kmph limit and keep his rhythm alive.

Talking to newspersons here last night, he said ''I want to keep on improving my speed. However, I don't say that I want to be the fastest bowler. I just want to keep my rhythm alive and may achieve 150 km, God willing.'' On the threshold of fulfilling his aim, Sreesanth currently bowls around 145 kmph. ''Being an ethnic bowler, I am just trying to keep my rhythm right and I am sure on a good day, I may touch the right speed,'' he added.

Sreesanth, who would be joining the MRF Foundation from tomorrow, said ''I am basically working on improving my strength and doing a lot of running. I have not really bowled after last match and in the Foundation, I have to concentrate more on maintaining my rhythm.'' Asked about his preparation for the coming West Indies tour, the 23-year-old Keralite said ''I am really looking forward to playing in the Caribbean field as it is my dream to play in the West Indies, Australia and England. I am looking forward to the next match and next ball I bowl. I am working more on fast bowling and playing in West Indies will really help in further improving my performance.'' He had not put in any special or extra effort to improve his performance in the coming series against West Indies. ''I will take it as it comes. I will push in as it comes,'' he added.

On Pakistan Captain Inzamaam Ul Haq complimenting him for his performance, Sreesanth said ''Haq praising is a great pleasure. It is really a great honour, it encourages me to work hard. It is great to know that a Pakistan Captain is praising an Indian player.'' Asked about his best moment, he said the great moment in his life was when master blaster Sachin Tendulkar presented him the Indian cap at Nagpur.

The budding speedster was not bothered about burnout due to playing too much cricket. ''I don't feel any pressure, I love to play cricket any time and I don't feel it is too much.'' On his experience after making a debut against England in Nagpur in March last, he said he had a great run in the last two months.

''I am very lucky to be part of the Indian team and am grateful to the BCCI for giving an opportunity at the right time to a right person.'' About Coach Greg Chappell and Team India Captain Rahul Dravid, he said they had told him to keep the basics right and ''start believing in yourself and you belong to this and stick to it.'' Regarding his contribution with the willow, Sreesanth, whose bowling idol was Dennis Lilee, said ''I may come out as a batsman also if the team needs me. Chappell is very helpful.'' The cricketer was here as brand ambassador of the Cochin-based Mather Projects and Construction Limited.

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