Former India pacer S Sreesanth has opened up about one of the darkest phases of his life, revealing how the unwavering support of his wife, Bhuvneshwari Devi, helped him survive his time in jail during the 2013 IPL spot-fixing controversy.
Sreesanth remains one of the few Indian cricketers to have been part of two World Cup-winning squads, featuring in India’s victorious campaigns at the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. However, despite his achievements on the field, his career took a dramatic turn when he was arrested in connection with the alleged IPL spot-fixing case in 2013.
The former Rajasthan Royals pacer spent nearly a month in Tihar Jail alongside fellow cricketers Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan. Although he was acquitted of all charges in 2015, the episode remains one of the most challenging periods of his life.
Speaking in an interview, Sreesanth reflected on how his relationship with Bhuvneshwari evolved over the years before they eventually got married. He revealed that they first met in 2007 and remained in touch throughout the years leading up to his arrest.
“First meeting was in the school where I had gone as a guest, second meeting the very next day on the ground, third meeting after three years poolside with uncle, fourth meeting in Indore, fifth meeting we got engaged when I was out on bail,” Sreesanth said while in conversation with Lallantop.
The 42-year-old also spoke candidly about the emotional toll of the controversy and credited Bhuvneshwari for helping him stay strong during that difficult period.
“When I was there, one of the main reasons I didn’t kill myself is her. I had promised her in 2010 that if we won the 2011 World Cup, I will marry her. I met her when she was in 10th grade in 2007, and we were in touch till 2013. She is the main reason I got bail,” he continued.
Sreesanth further revealed that Bhuvneshwari played an active role in coordinating with lawyers and supporting him throughout the legal proceedings. He also praised her family, saying they stood firmly by his side at a time when public perception had turned heavily against him.
The Kerala-born cricketer admitted that his stint in police custody and later in Tihar Jail changed his perspective on life. According to him, the experience made him mentally stronger and gave him a deeper understanding of the hardships faced by undertrial prisoners.
“Those 12 days in Delhi Police cell and 27 days in Tihar jail made me realise that the problems we face in normal life are nothing. I used to hear that years pass on for a trial. That incident made me strong. At that time I was thinking about my mother and father, about the niece and nephew. I didn’t let them go to school back then,” Sreesanth said.
Sreesanth represented India in 27 Tests, 53 ODIs and 10 T20Is during his international career, claiming 169 wickets across formats. While his cricketing achievements remain significant, his latest revelations shed light on the personal battles he fought away from the game and the role his family played in helping him overcome them.
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