Tomorrow, when the usual mass exodus from the north Kerala — Kannur, Kozhikode, Kassargod and Mallapuram happens to the state’s cricket hot beds — hit Kochi by midnight in buses and trains, they will finally be talking about a home grown hero. “Sree happens to be as big a name as, say, a Vijayan or PT Usha in Kerala now,” says Satish.

There are many around in Thammanam — the area in Kochi were Sreesanth grew up but has now moved to a bungalow presented to him by a real estate company that he endorses — who agree. Sreesanth’s elder brother Dipu Shanthan, who stills stays in the area and owns a music production company, speaks of a plot near their old house.

“That was the place people used to play football and as you would have noticed, today they are playing cricket,” he says as one recalls the game of cricket on the side of North Road in Kailashnagar.

He goes on to speak about the determination and sacrifice of his younger brother that made him a star. It’s a story of hope from a region with natural athletic prowess that was surprisingly under represented in a sport which in its modern form demanding exceptional physical fitness.

“When he was just 13 we sent him to Bangalore as there was cricket culture there. He used to cycle 15 kilometers each side to reach the academy. He always used to set goals for himself and work hard to achieve them,” says Dipu. That’s when his cell phonerings again. “For the last two days I have to constantly charge my phone. Everyone is asking for tickets. The same is the case for Sree,” he says.

... contd.