Sreesanth is a breath of fresh air: Greg

Chappell said that the Kerala lad's entry has made a big difference to the squad.

Describing pace bowler S Sreesanth a "breath of fresh air", Team India coach Greg Chappell on Tuesday said the Kerala lad's entry has made a big difference to the squad.

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Speaking after handing over the 'Mathrubhoomi Sportstar of the Year Award' to the young Kochi bowler, Chappell said the youngster joined the team only a few months ago but has already made a difference.

"His bowling is like a breath of fresh air for all of us. I hope he will have a long career ahead of him," Chappell said.

Skipper Rahul Dravid hoped that Sreesanth would be an inspiration for other Kerala youngsters to take up the game and described him a powerhouse of strong atheletes, Meanwhile, 'man of the moment' Sreesanth literally fumbled for words and admitted that he was "speechless" at the honour bestowed on him.

He thanked the Kerala Cricket Association and said playing for Team India was a "dream come true" for him.

"I do not want to make tall promises. But I know that this is the start and there's lots more to come," Sreesanth said.

Team members including Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Venugopal Rao, Suresh Raina, Munaf Patel, Virender Sehwag and RP Singh cheered as Sreesanth accepted a cheque of Rs one lakh and a scroll from coach Chappell.

"Fifty per cent of this should come to us," Dhoni was heard quipping even as Sreesanth smiled at his colleagues.

Mathrubhoomi Managing Editor PV Chandran lauded the Kochi lad for making the state proud with his achievements.

Former BCCI secretary SK Nair, former cricketer Sunil Valsan and DIG Padmakumar were also present on the occasion.