PERSONAL INFORMATION
Full Name: Shanthakumaran Sreesanth
Nickname: Gopu
Profession: Indian Cricketer (Bowler)
Date of Birth: 6 February 1983 (Sunday)
Age (as of 2025): 42 Years
Birthplace: Kothamangalam, Kerala, India
Zodiac sign: Aquarius
Nationality: Indian
Hometown: Kothamangalam, Kerala, India
Religion: Hinduism
Age: 42 Years
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
Height (approx.): in centimeters- 180 cm in meters- 1.80 m in Feet Inches- 5’ 11”
Weight (approx.): in Kilograms- 80 kg in Pounds- 176 lbs
Body Measurements (approx.): – Chest: 40 Inches – Waist: 34 Inches – Biceps: 16 Inches
Eye Colour: Dark Brown
Hair Colour: Black
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Family: Father – Santhakumaran Nair Mother – Savithri Devi Brother – Dipu Santhan Sister – Nivedita, Divya
Marital Status: Married
Affairs/Girlfriends: Bhuvneshwari Kumari
Wife: Bhuvneshwari Kumari
Children: Son – Suryasree Daughter – Sree Sanvika
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
International Debut: Test -1 March 2006 vs England in Nagpur ODI – 25 October 2005 vs Sri Lanka in Nagpur T20 – 1 December 2006 vs South Africa in Johannesburg
Records/Achievements (main ones): Sreesanth took a hat-trick in a Ranji Trophy match in 2004 while playing for Kerala.
MONEY FACTOR
Career Turning Point: In 2005, while representing India B in the Challenger Trophy, a domestic limited overs tournament, Sreesanth was the leading wicket taker and was titled Man of the Series. This got him the ticket to Indian national team for the ODI series against Sri Lanka.
OTHER INFORMATION
Retirement: On 9 March 2022, he announced his retirement from all forms of domestic cricket. [1] The Hindu
Jersey Number: #36 (India)
Domestic/State Teams: Kerala, Kings XI Punjab, Warwickshire, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Rajasthan Royals
Hobbies: Dancing
Cricketer: Anil Kumble
INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Sreesanth’s journey in the world of cricket began with a passion for leg-spin, inspired by his idol, the legendary Anil Kumble. Over time, however, his skills evolved, leading him to develop a reputation as a formidable seamer known for his deadly yorkers. This transformation marked the beginning of a promising cricketing career, with Sreesanth making a name for himself through his performances on the field. Yet, the road was not always smooth; in 2006, during a challenging phase in his career, he briefly changed his name to Sreesunth, a decision rooted in the desire to find a fresh start. Eventually, sentimentality led him back to the name Sreesanth, a reflection of his determination to reclaim his place in the cricketing world.
The tumultuous nature of Sreesanth’s career reached new heights in 2008 when an infamous incident occurred at the end of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Following a heated altercation, he was slapped by off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, an incident that garnered significant media attention. Despite the sensational headlines, Sreesanth later clarified in an interview that there were no hard feelings between the two cricketers, as they even shared dinner together after the event. However, the media’s portrayal magnified the incident, overshadowing their amicable relationship.
As a talented cricketer, Sreesanth’s life took a dramatic turn in 2013 when he, along with teammates Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila, was implicated in a spot-fixing scandal during the IPL. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) responded by imposing a life ban on him, effectively ending his cricketing career. In the face of adversity, Sreesanth sought solace in his long-standing passion for dance. In 2014, he showcased his dancing skills on the reality show “Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa,” marking a new chapter in his life away from the cricket field. This shift in focus culminated in February 2015, when he opened “S36 The Sports Store” in Kochi, further demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit.
While the legal battles stemming from the match-fixing allegations loomed over him, a significant turn of events arrived in July 2015 when the Delhi’s Patiala House Court cleared him of all charges related to the high-profile scandal. This vindication allowed Sreesanth to embrace new ventures, including a transition into acting. The seamer-turned-actor made his debut in Malayalam cinema with “Team 5” in 2016, where he portrayed a biker. His foray into films continued with roles alongside Richa Chaddha in “Cabaret” and in the thriller “Aksar 2,” scheduled for release in 2017. The once cricketing star had now traded his white sunscreen for greasepaint, signaling a bold new direction.
In March 2016, Sreesanth expanded his horizons further by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), where he was named the party’s candidate for the Thiruvananthapuram constituency in the assembly polls. Despite his enthusiasm, he faced another setback, unable to clinch victory in this new arena. However, the reality television landscape welcomed him with open arms in 2018 when he participated as a celebrity contestant on “Bigg Boss 12.” His journey in the house captivated audiences, leading him to finish as the first runner-up, further solidifying his status as a multifaceted entertainer. Through each twist and turn, Sreesanth’s resilience and adaptability have forged a narrative filled with triumph, challenge, and reinvention.
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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.