Did you know speedster S Sreesanth had suicidal thoughts in 2013?

Indian pacer Shanthakumaran Sreesanth has seen it all - ups and downs, controversies trials and tribulations. He recently revealed in an interview that he had suicidal thoughts after his 2013 ban by BCCI. We profile his journey in cricket, the spot-fixing saga, his entry into the entertainment world and his personal life with his wife and kids. (Pictures Courtesy/ Sreesanth Instagram)

Updated On: 2019-08-21 12:01 PM IST

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In June 2020, S Sreesanth revealed he had suicidal thoughts during the time he was banned for life by BCCI in August 2013 for alleged match-fixing. Sreesanth said, "It is something I battled with incessantly in 2013. It was there everywhere I turned, the easy way out, but my family kept me sane. I had to stick around for my family. I knew they needed me. That's why the news of Sushant Singh's (Rajput) death affected me so much, besides the fact that he was a good friend. I was on that edge but I walked back because I knew how much it would hurt those who believe in me and love me."

S Sreesanth is a former Indian cricketer, who represented the country in all formats of international cricket including ODIs, T2OIs and Tests. A right-arm fast-medium-pace bowler, Sreesanth consistently bowled at more than 140 kilometres per hour.

In domestic cricket, Sreesanth represented Kerala and in the Indian Premier League, he played for the Rajasthan Royals. He is perhaps the most successful yet controversial cricketer from Kerala.

In pic: Sreesanth looks to be having a great time wearing the chef's hat with his wife Bhuvneshwari Kumar in this picture, he captioned, 'My love my beautiful wife Bhuvaneshwari had a great time @le Meridian Kochi ..#family first ..Sunday is fun day'

Sreesanth was born to Santhakumaran Nair and Savithri Devi in Kerala. His brother Dipu Santhan owns a music company in Kerala and his eldest sister Nivedita is a South Indian TV actress. Sreesanth's elder sister Divya got married to a famous South Indian playback singer.

In picture: Sreesanth with his family

Sreesanth was selected for the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai. He later went on to play for India.

In pic: Sreesanth with wife Bhuvneshwari Kumari and daughter Sree Sanvika

In September 2013, Sreesanth was slapped a life ban in cricket by the BCCI, for his alleged involvement in spot-fixing in the Indian Premier League fixing and betting case that arose when the Delhi Police arrested 3 cricketers - Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan. The three cricketers represented Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra and husband Raj Kundra were co-owners of Rajasthan Royals at that time.

In pic: Sreesanth with wife Bhuvneshwari Kumari and daughter Sree Sanvika

Sreesanth was arrested at a friend's house, whereas Chandila and Chavan were arrested from their team hotel in Mumbai. Rajasthan Royals suspended the contracts of the three players. Delhi police had earlier claimed that Sreesanth and Chavan had confessed. The police also claimed that Chandila was the main perpetrator and had tried to get other players, including Chavan, involved under the direction of the bookies.

In pic: Sreesanth with wife Bhuvneshwari Kumari and daughter Sree Sanvika

In July 2015, Sreesanth and the two other Rajasthan Royals players were let-offs due to lack of evidence by a Patiala House court. The Delhi Police had challenged the decision by the Patiala House court in the Delhi High Court.

In pic: Sreesanth is known to be close to businessman/actor Sachin Joshi, he posted this picture on Sachin Joshi's birthday, he wrote, '@sachiinjoshi Happy birthday to my amazing brother who stood by me in my most difficult times.love and respct alwys'

On December 12, 2013, Sreesanth married his longtime girlfriend Bhuvneshwari Kumari at Guruvayur Sri Krishna temple. Bhuvneshwari Kumari and Sreesanth are known to be a very close couple who stand by each other. 

Sreesanth and his wife Bhuvneshwari have two daughters.

In picture: Sreesanth with wife Bhuvneshwari Kumari and his children

A single-judge bench of Kerala High Court on August 7, 2018, lifted the life ban imposed on Sreesanth by the BCCI and set aside all proceedings initiated by the cricketing board.

In picture: Sreesanth with wife Bhuvneshwari Kumari and their brand new car

In picture: Sreesanth posing with his daughter

Sreesanth shared this picture with his wife and a great post to go with it: A real man loves his wife, and places his family as the most important thing in life. Nothing has brought me more peace and content in life than simply being a good husband and father

Sreesanth shared this cute photo along with his daughter Sanvika with a caption: Being a daddy’s girl is like having permanent armor for the rest of your life.” @sreesaanvikaofficial @bhuvneshwari.sreesanth @tezzsuryasree #family #love #dad #daughter #always #forever

Apart, from films and television, Sreesanth has also delved into the world of politics. On March 25, 2016, Sreesanth joined the BJP. He contested and lost the Kerala Assembly elections from Thiruvananthapuram. He secured a total of 34,764 votes but lost the election to VS,Sivakumar of the Congress by 11,710 votes.

In pic: Sreesanth with his daughter at the airport

Sreesanth dived into the film and TV world after his promising cricketing career came to an abrupt end. Sreesanth was part of a dance reality show on TV. He also starred in a Bollywood film, Aksar 2, along with Zareen Khan. Sreesanth has been relevant in Malayalam film industry as well. Sreesanth acted in the film titled Team 5.

Sreesanth posted this picture of a South Indian film, which he acted in as the hero, he captioned, '@nikkigalrani #team5 #cantwait #14july #letsrockthis'

S Sreesanth jumped back into the news after entering the Bigg Boss house in its 12th season. In a span of 3 months of the show, Sreesanth showed many different shades of his personality, breaking down into tears many times. Sreesanth eventually finished as the runner up of the show behind Bigg Boss 12 winner Dipika Kakar.

Sreesanth took to body building after getting banned from cricket, he posted this picture of his chiseled body and captioned, 'Keep working hard and keep at it..BE THE BEST YOU'

On August 20, 2019, BCCI Ombudsman D K Jain ordered Sreesanth's ban be reduced to 7 years (ban ends in August 2020), observing that the cricketer is well past his prime having already served six years.

Sreesanth posted this picture with a couple of his friends. He wrote, '#dr.roy and Chechi surly are the best human beings around.thnks a lot for this Lovely time..love and respect alwys'

Sreesanth shared this picture from a felicitation ceremony, he captioned, 'Thanks a lot for giving me such amazing welcome and warmth..loved every moment #dubai #hitfm dubai #awards .great honour to have received it from legends of Indian cinema'

Sreesanth posted this picture with a close friend, he wrote, 'Alwys great to catch up with my brother @ranjhavikramsingh ..thnks for the lovely hospitality Brother'

Sreesanth shared this photo on Father's Day with a touching post: #fathersday #love #family ” A father is the one friend upon whom we can always rely. In the hour of need, when all else fails, we remember him upon whose knees we sat when children, and who soothed our sorrows; and even though he may be unable to assist us, his mere presence serves to comfort and strengthen us.

Another picture Sreesanth shared of himself with his friend Ranjha, he wrote, '@ranjhavikramsingh #office #work'

Sreesanth posted this picture on the birthday of a friend, he captioned, 'Wishing @sankargowda anna the very best birthday and. An amazing life..great to be a part of s productions'

Sreesanth posted this picture with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. He wrote, With the legend @iamsrk great human being who is given so much to not just world cinema but also to international sports. Thanks a ton Shahrukh Bhai..love and respect alwys'

Sreesanth shares a selfie with South actress Tamannaah Bhatia

In picture: Sreesanth with Bollywood veteran actor Anupam Kher

Sreesanth posted this picture with a friend, which he captioned, '@avika_n_joy it was wonderful meeting you and thanks a lot for amazing support during stunt..god bless..all the very best'

Sreesanth poses in a bathtub all stylish. He captioned this photo: It is not an attitude. It is the way I am. Outfit : @brownmens_wardrobe (brand coordinator - @triptigoy) Styled by: @style__inn @richa_r29 Ast by : @anamikagodha1983 #movies #dhoomagain #actor #cricket #lovemywork #blessed #sreefam #sreesanth

Sreesanth: I'm worth it. Always was, and always will be. Outfit : @nitinsingh.designer Styled by: @style__inn @richa_r29 Ast by : @anamikagodha1983 #sreesanth #movies #dhoomagain #actor #cricket #lovemywork #blessed #sreefam #sreesanth

Sreesanth shared this photo with a friend and captioned it: Grant us brotherhood, not only for this day but for all our years – a brotherhood not of words but of acts and deeds”
#brotherhood #love #time #respect

Sreesanth shared this photo with the caption: ooking good isn’t self-importance; it’s self-respect.” Outfit : @radbespoke Styled by: @style__inn @richa_r29 Ast by : @anamikagodha1983 #worldcup #cricket #newsnation #lovemywork #blessed #sreefam #sreesanth

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