Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

S. Sreesanth


Shanthakumaran Sreesanth (born 6 February 1983) is a former Indian cricketer who played as a right-arm fast-medium bowler for the national team, known for his aggressive style, express , and ability to generate .
He debuted internationally in 2006, featuring in 27 matches where he claimed 36 wickets at an average of 41.09, and 53 One-Day Internationals with 74 wickets at 33.10, before his international career ended in 2011. Sreesanth contributed to India's victory in the , taking wickets in the tournament, and was the first bowler from to achieve a in the .
His career trajectory was disrupted by the 2013 Indian Premier League spot-fixing scandal, in which he was arrested by alongside teammates from for allegedly conceding predetermined runs in exchange for payments from bookies; this resulted in a lifetime ban from the Board of Control for (BCCI), later reduced to seven years following an appeal, allowing eligibility from September 2020. A court acquitted him in 2015 citing insufficient evidence of , though the BCCI upheld disciplinary sanctions. Sreesanth made a domestic comeback with in limited-overs tournaments that year, securing his first wicket after seven years, but retired from all competitive in March 2022.

Early life and background

Childhood and family

Shanthakumaran Sreesanth was born on February 6, 1983, in Kothamangalam, a town near in , , into a middle-class family. His father, Santhakumaran , worked as an insurance officer before retiring, while his mother, , served as a state government employee until her retirement. The family's emphasis on and diligence reflected typical values in Kerala's professional households, providing a stable foundation amid regional cultural influences. Sreesanth grew up with an elder brother, Dipu Santhan, who later established a music company in , and two elder sisters: Nivedita, a television actress in , and Divya. This sibling dynamic fostered an environment infused with artistic pursuits, as family members engaged in music and , shaping early creative exposures in the Kochi vicinity's vibrant local scene. Beyond familial influences, Sreesanth's formative years included non-athletic hobbies that highlighted diverse talents, such as classical dance training and competitive break-dancing, where he achieved status while in the . These activities underscored a balanced upbringing in Kerala's sports-oriented yet culturally eclectic community, prior to focused athletic commitments.

Introduction to cricket and education

Shanthakumaran Sreesanth began his journey in childhood in , initially as a leg-spinner modeling his action after . His frequent use of yorkers in local and games highlighted untapped pace potential, leading his elder brother—12 years his senior—to encourage a switch to around age 10-12. To develop his raw talent, Sreesanth trained at the AV Jayaprakash academy, commuting 14 kilometers daily by bicycle for sessions that emphasized pace and . He supplemented this with time at the MRF Pace Foundation, refining his distinctive action and aggression. Early recognition came via selection to the under-15 team, where he demonstrated prowess in age-group matches, paving the way for further youth representation without formal higher coaching structures. Sreesanth's education centered on secondary schooling in , where he balanced academic requirements with intensive practice, prioritizing talent nurturing over extended studies. Public records indicate he pursued informally, aligning with a career trajectory that de-emphasized university-level in favor of entry.

Personal life

Marriage and relationships

S. Sreesanth married , a jewellery designer from Jaipur's royal family, on December 12, 2013, at the Sree Krishna Temple in , . The wedding followed their long-term relationship, with ceremonies including a reception in on the same day. The couple has two children: a daughter, Sree Saanvika, born prior to 2019, and a son, Suryasree. Bhuvneshwari provided public support during Sreesanth's personal challenges, including his 2013 IPL spot-fixing ban, emphasizing family resilience in media interactions. In August 2025, she condemned former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi and ex-Australian captain Michael Clarke for releasing unseen footage of the 2008 Harbhajan Singh slap incident, calling it "disgusting, heartless, and inhuman" for reopening past trauma. No verified separations or divorces have been reported as of October 2025, with the family maintaining a stable dynamic evident from shared updates and joint public appearances.

Name and identity controversies

Sreesanth's full name is Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, with the "S." in his common moniker standing for Shanthakumaran, his father's name. He has consistently preferred the single-word form "Sreesanth" in public and professional contexts. English-language media has long exhibited confusion over his name's rendering, initially referring to him as "Sree Sreesanth" following his international debut, a form he publicly corrected as inaccurate. Subsequent variations included "Shantha Sreesanth" and "Sri Sreesanth," both deemed erroneous by Sreesanth himself, who attributed the inconsistencies to miscommunications with journalists and evolving reporting practices after his 2006 Test debut against . These discrepancies persisted into the early 2010s, reflecting broader challenges in standardizing transliterations from to English without official standardization from Sreesanth or cricket authorities. In 2006, amid a slump in form during India's domestic and international seasons, Sreesanth temporarily altered his name to "Sreesunth" on the advice of a numerologist, aiming to improve his fortunes through altered vibrations. The change proved ineffective, as his performance did not recover, prompting him to revert to "Sreesanth" shortly thereafter; he later cited sentimental attachment to the original as a factor in abandoning the modification. No formal legal proceedings accompanied this episode, distinguishing it from more structured name alterations in other public figures.

Cricket career

Domestic career and Ranji Trophy

Sreesanth made his first-class debut for Kerala against Goa during the 2002–03 season in November 2002. In that debut season, he secured 22 wickets in seven matches, demonstrating early promise with his pace and ability to extract swing from Indian pitches, which led to his selection for the South Zone team in the subsequent . These figures marked him as Kerala's leading wicket-taker that season and highlighted his potential amid a team often overshadowed by more dominant domestic sides. Over the next few seasons, Sreesanth built on this foundation with notable performances, though he faced challenges with inconsistency in line and length, partly attributed to his aggressive style that sometimes bordered on erratic. In the 2004–05 , he recorded Kerala's first-ever in the tournament's history against , dismissing three batsmen in successive deliveries, a feat that underscored his breakthrough moment against a competitive opponent. He followed this with strong showings in subsequent matches, including multiple four-wicket hauls, contributing to Kerala's occasional upsets and elevating his profile within domestic circles. These domestic exploits, particularly his wicket hauls against stronger teams like and Saurashtra, established Sreesanth as Kerala's premier fast bowler and facilitated his progression to zonal and India A levels, where his raw speed and reverse swing were tested against elevated opposition prior to national recognition. Despite minor setbacks that occasionally disrupted his rhythm, his ability to deliver match-defining spells in Ranji fixtures provided the empirical foundation for selectors to view him as a viable option for higher honors.

International Test career

Sreesanth made his Test debut for India against England at on 1 March 2006, where he claimed four wickets, all in the first innings. Over the course of his Test career, spanning from 2006 to 2011, he featured in 27 matches, securing 87 s at a of 37.60, with an economy rate of 3.62 and a of 62.3 balls per . His career included three five- hauls, the best being 5/40, and he often relied on seam movement and reverse swing to extract bounce and deviation, particularly effective in overseas conditions where pitches offered less assistance. Early in his red-ball career, Sreesanth contributed to India's 1-0 series win in the in 2006, taking eight wickets in the decisive third Test at , including a match-haul of 8/99 that supported the team's only victory in the series. During the 2007 tour of , he captured 9 wickets across three Tests, helping India secure a drawn series (1-1) by leading the pace attack in seaming conditions; notable was his performance in the third Test at , where he dismissed key batsmen like to claim five wickets in the match despite 's narrow victory. In the high-profile 2007-08 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in , Sreesanth played all four Tests on challenging bouncy pitches, taking 12 wickets at an average of 38.08, utilizing to trouble batsmen like and troubling the hosts in a historic 2-2 draw that halted Australia's 16-match winning streak. These overseas efforts underscored his potential as a swing bowler capable of performing in conditions favoring pace, though his overall record reflected sporadic brilliance amid injuries and selection inconsistencies. Sreesanth's Test tenure drew criticism for his high economy rate, which exceeded 3.6 runs per over—elevated for a frontline seamer—stemming from loose lines under pressure and an inability to sustain control in extended spells. This contributed to perceptions of inconsistency, with stronger outputs in wins but diminished impact during defeats, compounded by temperament lapses such as on-field arguments that occasionally disrupted team discipline. His career ended after the 2011 series in , hampered by chronic toe injuries requiring multiple surgeries, limiting further opportunities despite occasional domestic returns.

ODI and List A career

Sreesanth made his (ODI) debut for against on 25 October 2005 at , claiming 1 wicket for 50 runs in 8 overs during a match won by 6 wickets. Across 53 ODIs from 2005 to 2011, he secured 75 wickets at an average of 33.44 runs per wicket and an economy rate of 6.08, with his best figures of 4/22 achieved against in 2006. His career best of 6 wickets came in a single against in 2009, though such hauls were rare amid inconsistent control that often led to high run rates. Early in his ODI tenure, Sreesanth focused on extracting swing with the new ball, troubling openers through seam movement and occasional bounce, as seen in bilateral series against and . A standout spell occurred during India's 2005-06 tour of , where he took 4 wickets for 58 runs in the fifth at on 13 February 2006, dismissing key batsmen including and to help restrict to 249 before India chased the target. However, his economy suffered in high-pressure scenarios, exemplified by wicketless, expensive outings in the group stage—conceding 53 runs in 5 overs against on 17 March 2007 and 52 in 8 overs against on 24 March 2007—contributing to India's early exit. Later, he adapted by deploying slower cutters and yorkers in death overs, offering variety but exposing vulnerabilities to poor execution and wide deliveries. In List A domestic cricket, Sreesanth played 92 matches predominantly for in tournaments like the and , where his pace and swing suited shorter formats but yielded modest returns due to similar control issues. He relied on early breakthroughs to influence one-day games for his state, though specific tallies reflected his international challenges, with an emphasis on building pressure through seam rather than outright speed.

T20I career and 2007 World Twenty20

S. Sreesanth made his (T20I) debut for on 1 December 2006 against in , where he bowled 4 overs conceding 33 runs for 1 wicket. Over the course of his T20I career, which spanned 10 matches from 2006 to 2008, he claimed 7 wickets at an average of 41.14 and an economy rate of approximately 8.00, often deployed for his aggressive fast-medium bowling in the powerplay overs to extract early breakthroughs with and seam movement. His style emphasized pace and intimidation, contributing to 's adaptation to the nascent T20 format amid limited international exposure at the time. Sreesanth's most prominent T20I contributions came during the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in 2007, hosted in , where , under MS Dhoni's captaincy, emerged victorious as the first champions. In the , he featured in multiple matches, including a standout spell of 2 wickets for 12 runs in 4 overs (1 maiden) against in the Super Eights, helping restrict the strong batting lineup and advancing 's campaign. His role extended beyond bowling, showcasing athletic fielding that bolstered the team's youthful, resilient dynamic in high-pressure encounters. The tournament culminated in the final against on 24 September 2007 at Johannesburg's , where posted 157/5 before defending it by 5 runs as reached 152 in 19.3 overs. Sreesanth bowled 4 overs, including 1 maiden, conceding 44 runs for 1 wicket—dismissing bowled in the 18th over—to apply pressure in the death overs despite a high economy of 11.00. Critically, his fielding proved decisive: he caught off earlier and, on the final ball from , held a low scoop shot from at deep midwicket, securing the victory and preventing a potential tie or . This catch, amid chaotic celebrations, symbolized 's improbable triumph and marked Sreesanth's pivotal involvement, though earned for 3/16. India's 2007 win, propelled by underdogs like Sreesanth in a squad blending experience with raw energy, catalyzed the nation's rise in T20 cricket, shifting perceptions from Test-focused dominance to short-format viability and inspiring widespread domestic enthusiasm for the game's aggressive, spectator-friendly evolution. Post-victory, team celebrations highlighted the camaraderie, with Sreesanth's expressive reactions underscoring the emotional high of defeating rivals in a tense Indo-Pak .

County cricket

In August 2009, Sreesanth signed a short-term contract with to play for the remainder of the English domestic season, marking his entry into . This opportunity arose amid his struggles for consistent selection in the Indian national team, providing exposure to English conditions characterized by seam movement and overcast skies, which differ markedly from subcontinental pitches. During his stint, Sreesanth featured in five matches across formats, capturing 13 wickets in total, a performance described as satisfactory by observers. A notable contribution came in a County Championship encounter against Yorkshire on August 29, 2009, where he claimed 4 wickets for 36 runs, reducing the opponents to 100 for 7 and bolstering Warwickshire's position. These outings demanded adaptation to variable bounce and swing, honing his ability to maintain line and length under pressure in multi-day games. The experience in contributed to refining Sreesanth's bowling control and temperament in high-stakes scenarios, as evidenced by his subsequent recall later that year. However, injuries and form dips limited further county engagements, with no additional stints recorded beyond 2009.

IPL and other T20 leagues

Sreesanth debuted in the (IPL) with in the inaugural 2008 season, serving as a key pace bowler in their campaign. He featured in 15 matches, capturing 19 wickets at an average of 23.26 and an economy rate of 8.63, contributing significantly to the team's bowling attack during their title-winning run. defeated in the final on 1 June 2008 to claim the championship, with Sreesanth's wickets providing crucial breakthroughs in the powerplay and death overs. Prior to the 2009 auction, Sreesanth was acquired by Kings XI Punjab, where he played through the 2010 season. In 2009, he appeared in 7 matches, taking 6 wickets at an average of 32.00 and economy of 8.34. His form dipped in 2010, managing 3 wickets in 6 matches with a higher average of 63.66 and economy of 10.05, amid team struggles and personal injury concerns. He then joined Kochi Tuskers Kerala for the 2011 season, playing 9 matches and securing 7 wickets at an improved economy of 6.47, though the franchise folded after one year due to ownership disputes. Sreesanth returned to ahead of the 2012 IPL but saw limited action that season. His pre-2013 IPL record across these franchises totaled 37 matches and 35 wickets. In the Champions League Twenty20, he participated with in 2009 as IPL champions, offering support but without standout individual hauls in the group stages or knockouts.
SeasonTeamMatchesWicketsAverageEconomy
2008151923.268.63
2009Kings XI Punjab7632.008.34
2010Kings XI Punjab6363.6610.05
20119729.426.47

Controversies during career

Temperament and on-field incidents

S. Sreesanth was renowned for his fiery on the field, characterized by intense celebrations, aggressive appeals, and confrontational follow-throughs that energized his performances but frequently drew for bordering on recklessness. This approach, often manifesting as passionate send-offs to dismissed batsmen, was seen by supporters as motivational fire for an underdog bowler from , yet detractors argued it distracted from his skills and invited disciplinary action. Several incidents highlighted this volatility. On July 30, 2007, during India's Super Eight match against in the World at , Sreesanth was fined 50 percent of his match fee by match referee for breaching the through excessive appealing and dissent. Similarly, on September 23, 2007, in the World group stage clash versus at , he incurred a 25 percent match fee deduction from referee Alan Hurst for conduct contravening player behavior clauses, including aggressive gestures toward opponents. Earlier, during the December 2006 Test series in , Sreesanth faced a 30 percent fine from referee for two code violations: showing dissent after umpiring decisions and breaching logo policy through unauthorized actions. Further examples include an April 8, 2010, incident where, after umpires upheld a not-out call against batsman Michael Lumb, Sreesanth clapped mockingly at both the player and officials, prompting a fine for dissent as confirmed by television footage and teammate reports. On January 5, 2011, during a Test against South Africa, he kicked the boundary ropes in frustration over a decision, resulting in a 10 percent match fee penalty for code breach. These reprimands underscored recurring clashes with umpires and opponents, with Sreesanth later defending his style as "passion" rather than undue aggression, contrasting views that deemed it a hindrance to team discipline.

Altercation with Harbhajan Singh

During an match on 25 April 2008 between and Kings XI Punjab at , an altercation erupted post-match after Kings XI Punjab secured a six-wicket victory. S. Sreesanth, representing Kings XI Punjab, approached captain during handshakes and celebrations, at which point Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth on the side of his head near the eye, prompting Sreesanth to break down in tears as captured by television cameras. The incident, dubbed "Slapgate," triggered immediate scrutiny from the IPL and Board of Control for in India (BCCI). Harbhajan received a show-cause notice from the BCCI on 26 and pleaded guilty to the misconduct during the inquiry. On 28 , the IPL imposed an 11-match on Harbhajan for the remainder of the —effectively sidelining him after just two games—and fined him 100% of his previous match fee, resulting in a financial loss estimated at over ₹2.67 given his auction price. The BCCI followed with an additional barring Harbhajan from the next five One Day Internationals. No formal disciplinary action or fines were reported against Sreesanth by the IPL or BCCI at the time. Harbhajan publicly expressed shortly after, stating the action was wrong and issuing an to Sreesanth, which he later claimed to have reiterated multiple times in subsequent years. Sreesanth, meanwhile, alleged the slap caused near his eye and emphasized the unprovoked nature of , contributing to widespread coverage that amplified the controversy across outlets. The event drew criticism for undermining the IPL's inaugural season's image, with commentators like noting in later reflections that withheld footage prevented fuller public accountability but affirmed Harbhajan's guilt based on the inquiry. No further team-level suspensions occurred, though the BCCI's response aimed to deter on-field aggression among players.

Spot-fixing scandal

2013 allegations and arrest

The Special Cell initiated a probe into an interstate betting syndicate allegedly linked to the (IPL), focusing on unusual betting patterns and player conduct during matches involving . Suspicion arose from video footage capturing deliberate irregularities in , including suspiciously slow deliveries and a high bowled by Sreesanth in the second over against Kings XI Punjab on May 9, 2013, where he reportedly conceded 14 runs as pre-arranged, signaled by tucking a into his . Similar anomalies were noted in his performances against on May 12, 2013, with police citing on-field actions as direct evidence of for predetermined outcomes. On May 16, 2013, during coordinated raids in and other locations, arrested Sreesanth, teammates and —all from —along with seven bookies and associates, on charges of , cheating, and forgery under the . The arrests followed surveillance that traced payments, including claims that Sreesanth received approximately 4 million rupees (about £48,000) for conceding at least 13 runs in the specified over. During initial questioning, police reported Sreesanth confessed to involvement while appearing emotional, though he publicly denied any wrongdoing days later, asserting his innocence and lack of engagement in . The elicited widespread shock in and , given Sreesanth's as a passionate, if temperamental, fast bowler who had represented in major internationals, contrasting with the fixer archetype. Coverage highlighted the probe's reliance on empirical and transaction records over player testimony alone, underscoring vulnerabilities in T20 formats to syndicated .

Legal proceedings and acquittal

Following his on May 16, 2013, filed a comprehensive 6,000-page charge sheet on July 30, 2013, against Sreesanth and 38 others, including teammates and , under sections of the for cheating, criminal conspiracy, and criminal breach of trust related to alleged in three IPL matches for . The charge sheet detailed claims that Sreesanth accepted ₹60 to deliver predetermined no-balls and other actions, supported by alleged confessions, call records, and witness statements from bookies, though no direct video evidence of the fixes was presented. Sreesanth contested the charges, arguing that his confessional statements were coerced under duress during custody, rendering them inadmissible, and maintained his innocence from the outset, later stating publicly that he had sworn on his family that he had not fixed matches. proceedings proved contentious; initially denied by a , Sreesanth secured interim from the on June 11, 2013, citing health concerns and lack of prior criminal history, before regular was granted by the . The criminal trial unfolded in Delhi's Patiala House , where Sreesanth, Chandila, and argued absence of a specific criminalizing at the time and challenged the reliability of , including purported text messages deemed improperly obtained. On July 25, 2015, the discharged the and 33 other accused, ruling no case existed due to insufficient corroborative beyond questionable confessions and failure to prove dishonest intent under applicable provisions. Critics, including former Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar—who oversaw the initial probe—later contended that procedural lapses and evidentiary hurdles allowed Sreesanth to evade conviction despite what they viewed as substantial indicators of guilt, such as behavioral patterns and bookmaker testimonies, highlighting potential flaws in investigative methods like reliance on custodial statements vulnerable to claims. The underscored the reputational damage inflicted on players absent conclusive proof, with Sreesanth describing the ordeal as a profound personal toll while affirming his exoneration validated his denials.

BCCI lifetime ban and reduction

On 13 September 2013, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) imposed a lifetime ban on Sreesanth through its disciplinary committee, prohibiting him from any involvement in cricket activities under BCCI or its affiliates, due to findings of and failure to report corrupt approaches during the season. The committee cited aggravating factors, including the severity of the corruption charges, as justifying the maximum sanction to safeguard the game's integrity. The BCCI maintained the ban post-Sreesanth's 2015 criminal , asserting that internal disciplinary standards differed from criminal proof thresholds and that evidence of warranted exclusion to deter threats to 's credibility, regardless of judicial outcomes in unrelated proceedings. BCCI officials emphasized protecting the sport's reputation over individual rehabilitation appeals, arguing that reinstating implicated players could undermine public trust and efforts. In March 2019, the directed the BCCI to reassess the ban's duration, ruling that lifetime prohibitions were not mandatory for all corruption cases and requiring consideration of mitigating factors under the BCCI's anti-corruption code. Subsequently, on 20 August 2019, BCCI Justice (retd.) D.K. Jain reduced the sanction to seven years, applied retrospectively from 13 September 2013, thereby permitting eligibility for competitive after September 2020. This adjustment balanced the BCCI's integrity priorities with procedural fairness, though it stopped short of full exoneration.

Post-ban comeback and retirement

Return to competitive cricket (2019 onward)

Following the reduction of his BCCI ban to seven years, effective until September 13, 2020, Sreesanth resumed training with Under-23 teams and was included in the state's preliminary squad in June 2020, marking his initial steps toward competitive play. He received his cap for the 2020-21 season, signaling readiness despite a seven-year absence from matches. Sreesanth's first competitive outing came on January 11, 2021, in the against in , where he bowled 4 overs for 29 runs and claimed 1 —Fabid Ahmed—his first in senior since 2013. won by 6 wickets, chasing 139, with Kerala's coach noting Sreesanth's delivery stride, release, pace, and swing remained intact after rigorous preparation. In T20 leagues, Sreesanth debuted for Bhilwara Kings in the 2022 Legends League , securing 8 wickets across 7 matches in 24.3 overs while conceding 147 runs, including a standout 3/36 against Gujarat Giants in . His performances drew for maintaining express , though limited domestic selection reflected ongoing debates over his integration amid younger pacers in Kerala's setup.

Domestic and league performances

Sreesanth made his competitive return in the 2020–21 for , taking 1/29 in four overs against on January 11, 2021, including the wicket of opener Fabid Ahmed with a slower delivery that castled the batsman. Over four matches in the tournament, he claimed four wickets at an average of 36.75 and an rate of 9.8, with occasional variations including leg-spin to dismiss Andhra's Ashwin Hebbar. These figures reflected a struggle with control in the shorter format, contrasting his pre-ban T20 under 8, as reduced pace at age 37 limited his ability to generate consistent swing and bounce. In the , Sreesanth featured in one match for , bowling 20.5 overs across two innings to take 2/97, with a best of 2/40, yielding an average of 48.50 and economy of 4.65. This outing marked his first-class return after nine years, but the modest haul underscored a decline from his peak domestic form, where he once took hat-tricks and multiple five-wicket hauls with sharper seam movement; post-ban, analysts noted his effectiveness waned due to diminished speed and adaptability against modern batting techniques. Sreesanth did not secure contracts in overseas T20 leagues following his 2020 eligibility restoration, despite prior expressions of interest in such competitions. He attended IPL trials in 2020 but went unsold in subsequent auctions, with franchises citing concerns over his age, recent form, and injury history as barriers to selection. While flashes of skill persisted, such as emotional wicket celebrations evoking his fiery , overall critiques highlighted a persistent gap to his 2000s prime, where he averaged under 30 in versus post-comeback figures exceeding 40.

2022 first-class retirement and 2025 KCA suspension

On 9 March 2022, Sreesanth announced his retirement from all formats of first-class and domestic , stating it was a decision made "with much sadness but without regret" to pave the way for the next generation of players. At 39 years old, he cited the move as "the right and honorable action," reflecting on a career marked by highs like triumphs and lows including the ban, from which he had returned to competitive play in 2019. The voluntary exit followed limited domestic appearances post-ban reduction, with Sreesanth emphasizing personal choice over external pressures. In February 2025, the Cricket Association (KCA) issued a show-cause notice to Sreesanth for publicly criticizing its handling of Kerala batsman 's exclusion from domestic selections, including the squad, and from India's team. On 2 May 2025, following a special general body meeting, the KCA imposed a three-year suspension barring him from all state activities, including coaching and events, for allegedly making false, derogatory, and defamatory statements during a television discussion. The association clarified the penalty targeted the nature of his comments, not mere support for , and announced plans for legal action to address reputational harm. Sreesanth responded on social media, expressing surprise at the suspension's severity and reaffirming his backing of Samson as "god's own son," while denying intent to defame the KCA. He maintained that his remarks stemmed from concern over selection transparency, not malice, and indicated no plans to abandon broader cricketing involvement, such as in non-state leagues. The episode highlighted ongoing tensions between former players and state associations regarding player advocacy and administrative accountability.

Entertainment career

Film acting roles

S. Sreesanth transitioned to acting after his cricket career, making his film debut in the Hindi thriller Aksar 2 released on November 24, 2017, where he portrayed the supporting character Gaurav alongside lead actors and . That same year, he appeared in the Team 5, playing the role of in a story centered on a special task force combating , with the film later dubbed into and versions. In 2019, Sreesanth took on the antagonist role of in the Kannada film Kempegowda 2, marking his entry into cinema as the primary villain opposite lead actor Komal Kumar in a narrative involving political conspiracy and action. He described this performance as a turning point in his , emphasizing its and departure from his sports persona during promotional interviews ahead of the film's August 9 release. The same year, he featured in the period drama , directed by Kaustav Narayan Ghosh, playing the character Chetta Don in a story inspired by the 1930s Bombay scene. Sreesanth continued with supporting roles in South Indian cinema, including Mohammed Mobi in the Tamil romantic comedy Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal released on April 28, 2022, directed by and starring , , and . In Telugu, he appeared in Kanmani Rambo Khatija in 2022 and Yamadheera in 2024, both in secondary capacities amid ensemble casts. His filmography spans , , , , and industries, primarily featuring antagonistic or action-oriented supporting parts rather than leads, with no reported major commercial successes or critical acclaim for performance across these projects.

Television appearances and reality shows

S. Sreesanth participated in the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa season 7, which aired in 2014 on Colors TV, showcasing his performances alongside professional choreographer Asha Bhaskar. During the show, he faced criticism from judges for his dance techniques, leading to a heated reaction where he temporarily stormed off the set on July 10, 2014, before returning. This stint followed his cricket ban and highlighted his shift toward entertainment amid personal challenges. In 2008, Sreesanth appeared as a contestant on the stunt-based reality series Khatron Ke Khiladi, testing physical limits in daring challenges. His involvement in such programs marked early explorations into television, predating major controversies. Sreesanth's most prominent reality TV engagement was as a contestant on season 12, premiering September 16, 2018, on , where he entered on day 1 and reached the finale on December 30, 2018, finishing as first runner-up to winner . Inside the house, he openly discussed his lifetime ban, sharing emotional insights into the scandal and personal struggles, which resonated with audiences and boosted his public visibility post-acquittal efforts. Controversies included threats to exit amid conflicts, yet his candid demeanor contributed to a popularity surge, with reports noting it as a pivotal career reinvention. He also made guest appearances on quiz shows like season 10 in 2017, engaging in promotional segments. These television ventures, particularly reality formats, provided platforms for Sreesanth to rebuild his image through vulnerability and entertainment, attracting millions of viewers despite his cricketing past.

Political involvement

Election campaigns

In March 2016, S. Sreesanth joined the (BJP) and was promptly selected as its candidate for the in the elections scheduled for May. The constituency, a general seat with 192,714 electors, featured a three-way contest dominated by established regional alliances, with Sreesanth facing of the Indian National Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and of the (Democratic)-led (LDF). Sreesanth filed his nomination on April 28, 2016, emphasizing his intent to prevent others from enduring injustices similar to his 2013 ordeal, which he linked to his motivations. His campaign involved door-to-door canvassing and public engagements in the urban and coastal areas of , positioning himself as an aggressive outsider challenging entrenched , though specific policy platforms like sports infrastructure were not prominently detailed in contemporary reports. Polling occurred on May 16, 2016, with a of 65.49% (124,777 votes cast). Sreesanth secured 34,764 votes, accounting for 27.54% of the valid votes, finishing third behind Sivakumar's 46,474 votes (36.82%) and Raju's 35,569 votes (28.18%). The margin between second and third place was narrow at 1,805 votes, but Sreesanth trailed the winner by over 11,000 votes; post-election commentary attributed the defeat partly to his recent entry into and lingering associations with the , which some viewed as diminishing voter trust in a constituency favoring experienced legislators. No subsequent electoral candidacies by Sreesanth have been recorded.

Political views and outcomes

S. Sreesanth's political positions, as expressed during his BJP candidacy, centered on support for the party's development agenda in and defense of Narendra Modi's leadership, including countering criticisms of Modi's remarks on the state's governance and social issues. He cited personal experience from the ban as a key motivator for joining the BJP, stating an intent to shield others from similar perceived injustices in administration and legal processes. Sreesanth described his religious outlook as syncretic, identifying as a "believer" unbound by a single faith, which contrasted with rigid ideological framings. Electorally, these views yielded limited outcomes; in the 2016 Kerala Assembly election from , he polled 34,764 votes (27.54 percent), placing third behind of (46,474 votes) and Antony Raju of (D) (35,569 votes). The defeat curtailed his immediate influence within the BJP, with no subsequent legislative or organizational roles materializing. In 2019, he voiced ambitions to challenge 's in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls from the same area but was not selected as the candidate. By the 2020s, Sreesanth's political engagement diminished, showing no reported endorsements, shifts, or impacts on party dynamics as of October 2025, as his public profile shifted toward and media pursuits. This trajectory underscores a celebrity-led entry into politics without sustained ideological or electoral leverage.