New Delhi: Former India cricketer S Sreesanth has revealed the emotional and psychological turmoil he endured during his 27-day stay in Tihar Jail in 2013, stating that his wife Bhuvneshwari Devi was the primary reason he did not take an extreme step during that difficult phase of his life.
Sreesanth, one of the few Indian cricketers to have won two ICC World Cups — the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup — found himself at the centre of a major controversy during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2013. He, along with Rajasthan Royals teammates Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan, was arrested on allegations of spot-fixing. Though he was acquitted of all charges in 2015, the period leading up to it was marked by intense scrutiny and personal hardship.
Arrest and time in custody
The fast bowler recalled spending 12 days in Delhi Police custody followed by 27 days in Tihar Jail, one of India’s most high-profile prisons. Reflecting on that time, Sreesanth said the experience was life-altering and exposed him to the harsh realities of the legal system.
He noted that the period made him realise how prolonged legal battles can be, as he witnessed several inmates awaiting trial for years. The cricketer described those days as mentally exhausting, with constant worry about his family and the impact of the controversy on their lives.
Emotional struggle and support system
In a candid interview, Sreesanth shared that he was pushed to the brink emotionally during his incarceration. He revealed that his relationship with Bhuvneshwari Devi played a crucial role in helping him cope with the situation.
According to Sreesanth, he had promised Bhuvneshwari in 2010 that he would marry her if India won the 2011 World Cup. The two had first met in 2007 and remained in touch over the years. Their relationship grew stronger despite the challenges posed by his legal troubles.
He credited Bhuvneshwari and her family for standing firmly by his side when public perception turned against him. At a time when he was being widely criticised and labelled negatively, their unwavering support provided him with the strength to endure the ordeal.
Role of family in securing bail
Sreesanth also highlighted the proactive role played by his wife in coordinating with legal teams and ensuring that his case was handled effectively. He acknowledged that her efforts were instrumental in helping him secure bail during the investigation.
The cricketer expressed gratitude towards both his own family and his wife’s family, stating that their collective support helped him navigate one of the darkest phases of his life. He admitted that the situation deeply affected his family members, including his parents and extended relatives.
Career, controversy and comeback
Despite the controversy, Sreesanth’s cricketing achievements remain significant. He represented India in 27 Tests, 53 One Day Internationals and 10 T20 Internationals, playing key roles in India’s World Cup victories.
Following his acquittal in 2015, Sreesanth has attempted to rebuild his career and personal life. While the spot-fixing episode left a lasting impact on his reputation, he has often spoken about the lessons he learned from the experience.
Conclusion
Sreesanth’s revelations offer a glimpse into the emotional toll that legal battles and public scrutiny can take on individuals, even those at the peak of their careers. His account underscores the importance of a strong support system during times of crisis.
The former cricketer’s journey from being a World Cup winner to facing serious allegations and eventually rebuilding his life highlights both the fragility and resilience of a professional athlete’s career. His story serves as a reminder of the human side of sporting controversies, often overshadowed by headlines and public opinion.