'I was dropped despite telling that coming game will be my last' - S Sreesanth opens up on his retirement call

Pacer, S Sreesanth recently announced his retirement from all forms of the game. Sreesanth returned to domestic cricket in 2020 after serving a seven-year suspension for spot-fixing . He made his comeback for Kerala in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and then went on play in the Ranji Trophy as well. In an interview recently, Sreesanth opened up on his retirement and said he wanted to play one last match for Kerala before announcing his retirement. Notably, Sreesanth was benched for Kerala's match against Gujarat. The pacer added that he revealed his decision to draw curtains on his career in the team meeting yet he was dropped from the team.

"I was looking forward to playing the match against Gujarat in the Ranji Trophy. In the team meeting ahead of the game, I had made it clear that it would be my last match for Kerala. I believe I deserved a farewell match," the 39-year-old told Manorama.

Speaking on his future plans, Sreesanth said that he wishes to play in major leagues across the globe. He also said that he received a few coaching offers as well. When asked if the decision came at the right time, he said he was mulling over the decision for a long time. "I have been thinking over it for the past three months. I got an opportunity to play first-class cricket after a gap of nine years, but could not play any match due to the COVID-19 situation. In the 2021 IPL auction, I was not even considered. When I signed up for the 2022 auction, nobody showed interest in buying me. I did what any normal being would have done when one gets constantly ignored and sidelined," he added.

The former cricketer concluded by saying that he was happy that he inspired many young cricketers to take up fast bowling.