A crazy champ

His elevation as a fast bowler in team India is more than symbolic and goes beyond the clichéd notions of just a successful young cricketer. At a more profound level, it reflects the attitude of a dynamic young boy from Florance public school Bangalore, who has emerged as a star in the Indian cricket team with his electric bawling and magical performance.

With his sparkling performance Shreeshanth conquered the heart of millions of people from all across India. His uncanny ability to get the crowd behind him, by capturing loads of wickets with his guile and accuracy exactly made him the dear ones of children as well as the youth.

S. Sreesanth was born to Shanthakumaran Nair and Savithri Devi on February 6, 1983, in Kothamangalam, Kerala. He has one elder brother and a sister.

Sreeshant came to Bangalore from a small town called Kothamangalam in Kerala just because of his passion towards cricket. He chosen Florence School for his academic as well as sports career and time proved the rest. He became the star in the Indian team and played a crucial role in many important matches. His sharp bowling panicked even the so called great bating line in the world and within a short period of time he added many records in his crown.

He joined Florence Public School, Bangalore at the 8 th standard and he finished 10 th with a high distinction. In this special article Florence School Principal Ms. Abida is remembering about her good old boy … recollecting her colorful memories about a shy, disciplined boy.

“He was a crazy champ, he wants everything, and he wants to do everything.

He was a typical student with clean, ironed uniform. He was much disciplined, punctual and a shy kid by nature. He had a strong will to succeed and also possessed a number of hidden talents. He showed these traits when he joined our school”, says Abida.

When he joined here he didn’t know English. His accent was not fluent, because of the language problem he never spoke to his class teachers. But apart from language, he was a brilliant boy. I was his class teacher and also local guardian .So I gave him extra care and within a limited space of time he improved a lot. I made him stand for the election for the Sports captain post and he won.

“When I came from Kerala, I knew to speak only four sentences in English — Good morning, Excuse me, Thank you, and May I come in? The school nurtured me and helped me excel in curricular as well as co-curricular activities. I owe a lot to my alma mater and Florence is close to my heart,” Sreeshanth said in an interview.

The ‘Michle Jackson of Florence’

 

He had many talents apart from being a good cricketer. He used to paint, sketch, write poetry and was also good at dancing. He won a number of prizes for his dancing. He did the composing and choreography himself. Some of his poems were published in Times of India,” remembering Ms. Abida. The trophy that he had won for break dance in national level, still adorns the shelf of Florence School.

Down to earth, approachable hard work and talented is how his friends and teachers described him. Sreeshanth is fast become a star with a considerably fan following .But still he is the good old boy for his teachers. He shared a special bond with the school and paid a visit whenever he is in Bangalore and keeps in touch when ever he can. And that’s what makes him so special to all of them.