Sreesanth described his entire injury period as the “darkest phase” of his life

India pace bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth has admitted that he used to “sob like a baby” when he was confined to a wheelchair for two months after undergoing two surgical procedures on his toes.

Sreesanth described his 14 months away from the game as the “darkest phase” of his life.

“Who says men don’t cry? I used to sob like a baby as I was forced to move around in the KD Smart Chair for two months after twin surgeries on my toes,” Sreesanth said. “To be honest, I started thinking that probably, I won’t be able to play cricket again. It was such a scary thought. Those 14 months were the darkest phase of my life.”

Sreesanth thanked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Kerala Cricket Association and National Cricket Academy (NCA) for all their support during his recovery period.

“After two months on wheelchair, I had to walk around in crutches for another three months,” Sreesanth added. “Thanks to BCCI, Kerala Cricket Association and NCA for standing by me in crisis period. The moment, I announced that I am fully fit, Kerala CA didn’t think twice before selecting me.”

The ‘entertaining’ seamer is glad to be back playing cricket and added that his next goal will be to regain a spot on the Indian roster.

“This is a fresh start for me,” Sreesanth said. “I want to extract every ounce of enjoyment possible from the matches that I would play from now on. Be it for Kerala, India A or India, I don’t want to relax one bit. I have two platinum nails inserted in my big toes but I have a lot of fire in my belly.

“Earlier, I used to think that there are days where I can relax. But now I know that life is fickle. You have to give your hundred per cent as long as it lasts.”

When asked what he did during the 14 months he spent away from the pitch, Sreesanth said: “As I got busy with my cricketing commitments, I had stopped penning my thoughts in a diary. I would write about each day of my life during that phase. Watch the CDs of my good performances for India. We have a rock band and did a bit of jamming and yes, prayed a lot.”

However, Sreesanth revealed that his injury has forced him to make a slight change in his run-up.

“Earlier, I had a 26-step run-up to the bowling crease but now I have reduced it to 23 steps,” Sreesanth said. “But I have not cut down on my pace. Even while playing for Kerala, I have consistently worked up a fair amount of pace. The only thing that I need right now is more consistency.”