Aggression comes to him naturally, says India's new pace find S Sreesanth.
"It's something which I have been doing since my Under-13 days. Maybe, because I always used to play with older guys. Maybe, that helped," the 24-year-old speedster said.
His stupendous enthusiasm for the game comes through when he says: "I don't mind which wicket you play on -- wet, dry, slow or fast. I just want to play cricket."
Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq had recently showered praise on the Kerala bowler, saying he has the aggression, which is extremely essential for a fast bowler, and is not afraid to look into the eyes of any batsman or pass a remark or two.
Inzamam had also remarked that Sreesanth has the potential to become one of the most feared fast bowlers in the world.
Still new to the international scene, Sreesanth does not appear to be bothered about the latest topic of discussion among the world's cricketers -- player burnout. He does not believe that it will affect him, as he is a "rhythmic" bowler.
"I am a rhythmic bowler. I have just played seven months of international cricket. I play a lot of cricket. I just want to play, play and play."
Asked to comment on Inzamam's views on him, he replied, "It gives me pleasure and more ideas to work on. It's a great encouragement as a fast bowler. The Pakistani captain talking about me and (Suresh) Raina it feels really good."
Sreesanth says he is now focussed on improving upon his bowling, particularly the yorkers, and plans to do so at the Chennai-based MRF Pace Foundation.
"I am really looking only at the next match. I am going to the MRF Pace Foundation on May 5. I just want to work on my fast bowling. I am basically working on my yorkers. I am also doing my strength work and lots of running.
"I just want to keep the basics right. I won't really try to do extra. But, obviously, as a cricketer once you go into the field, that extra comes out naturally. I will always push myself as I have been doing."
He said he is eagerly looking forward to playing against the West Indies in the Caribbean.
"I am prepared for it and looking forward to it. It's a dream playing in the West Indies, Australia and England in different conditions."
Sreesanth, who made his ODI debut in the first of the seven-match series against Sri Lanka at Nagpur earlier this season, has picked 22 wickets at 32.21 in 15 matches so far. He has also played in two Tests, getting his first cap in the Nagpur Test against England.
He said the last seven months with the Indian team had been a great journey.
"It's been great. I have to thank the Almighty; it's a great opportunity. The team management was always up there and supported me even when I was not doing well. I am really very, very lucky to be part of this team.
"The coach (Greg Chappell) and captain (Rahul Dravid) told me 'just keep the basics right and start believing in yourself, and you belong to this league. Try to stick to it and keep the basics right and you will go a long way'.
"They have been really helpful. I am really lucky to be part of this team, this era. The team is doing a great job and being part of the current Indian cricket team, it's really lucky."
Sreesanth is not disheartened by the placid Indian wickets that offer little assistance to fast bowlers.
"I enjoy playing cricket, and I am from Kerala, where we don't get any supportive wickets. I am very much used to this. I want to keep playing for the country. It's an honour playing for the country."
The bowler also said he intended to improve his batting as well along the way. "Yes. When the team really needs sometimes, God-willing I will come out with some surprises."
On his experience of playing against England and Pakistan, Sreesanth said, "I learnt a lot of things. I came to know that all I have to do is keep the basics right."
Sreesanth said he has been greatly inspired by Dennis Lillee and T A Sekar.
"As a bowler, Dennis Lillee sir, because of work ethics. The way he used to bowl and his aggressive nature. Even now, if you go to the MRF Pace Foundation, if he is around, you can see him working at the gym. You will be amazed to see how he runs and the amount of training he does."
Asked who is the toughest batsman to bowl to, he promptly replied, "Sachin Tendulkar. I am really lucky. It's an honour to be playing in the same team that has Tendulkar."
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