‘Keep praying for me’: Cricketer S Sreesanth for his new innings in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa

Mumbai: Sreesanth, who is gearing up for a new innings with the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Season Seven, says that he doesn’t have any intentions of giving up cricket.

“Cricket is my first love and I can never do that. I really miss the game from the core of my heart. Even today I practice the game in Kerala and I am sure that when the issue is resolved (the match fixing issue), people will see me on the ground once again. One day I will definitely come back.”

He adds, “The reason to choose Jhalak was not for publicity or an alternative career, but because I wanted to give a message, ‘Always have hope, however bad the situation is, you will have to face it with courage. Nothing can stop you’.”

Sreesanth says that while the IPL match-fixing episode had affected him, he had never lost hope. “It was altogether a different experience, but I must admit that it has definitely made me stronger as a person,” he says.

The pacer adds that he is a changed man now, thanks to his wife Bhuvneshwari Kumari. “During the tough times, she has been a pillar of strength and supported me. I believe that she has changed the way I look at life.”

And while he misses the game (he is facing a ban), he considers the Jhalak dance floor as his cricket ground. “For me, winning Jhalak is like winning the world cup. The trophy also somewhat looks like the world cup (laughs). I definitely miss cricket, but at Jhalak, I will consider the dance floor as the cricket pitch and will work hard towards winning. It is said that you will definitely win if you connect with what you do the best. So I will connect with cricket. Dancing is tough but where there is love there is pain.”

“I must tell you that the reason for choosing Jhalak is my wife. She forced me to join the show and I agreed. In fact, she is the one who guides me and motivates me to dance. She is a brilliant dancer and often gives me tips,” he adds.

To his fans, he says: “Everyone who loves me believe in me and I will do miracles.”

Sreesanth had previously participated in another dance show, Ek Khiladi Ek Hasina.