‘I have stopped sledging’

It is difficult to keep S Sreesanth out of the news, be it on the field or off it. Probably the most colourful personality in the Kings XI dressing room, the 27-year-old spoke to HT about the changes in him as a cricketer, that one over which cost his team the match against the Royal Challengers and his new social initiatives.

You’ve had an indifferent start to the IPL, and everyone’s pointing to that over to Robin Uthappa in the last game.

Robin is a brilliant player and the way he played that day changed the game. Maybe, when he comes to Mohali, I will give him a tough time.

Robin is your friend and a business partner. If you have to sledge or get aggressive, will it be difficult?

Robin is my best pal in the cricket circuit. He is almost like a younger brother who has helped me through my career. Having said that, it doesn’t matter who I am playing against.

What about sledging?

I have stopped sledging. If I want to upset a batsman, I will say hit me through the covers. I will never abuse a batsman, I may make faces at him or try and throw at the stumps but I don’t get personal anymore. It is something I learnt during my county stint that cricket is a gentleman’s game.

Tell us about your joint venture with Robin.

Bat & Ball Inn is a restro-bar in Bangalore. JK Mahindra sir put forth the idea and we invested in it.

You are also working on another project in Kerala.

The project is very close to my heart. We have set up a company called S36. S as in Y.E.S. and 36 is my number. We want to contribute to bringing about a change in the life of individuals. Currently, we are sponsoring the blind cricket initiative in Kerala and also working with old age homes.

Why old age homes?

The idea is to encourage youngsters to take care of the old. Seeing us, hopefully, some youngsters will stay on with their parents and not move out.