Kochi: In the last four years despite being away from cricket, S. Sreesanth was never deprived of action as he was in many roles - celebrity dancer, composer, politician and of late, an actor. But on Monday, soon after the Kerala High Court ordered the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to lift its 2013 life-ban on the former India Test bowler over alleged spot-fixing, he reemerged. “I always kept my mind and body fit to play cricket,” said Sreesanth.

“If I’m asked to play tomorrow, I will be ready because I’ve always worked on my fitness,” said the 34-year-old who has constructed nets at his home in Kochi and practices regularly. “I’ve been patient and will wait for a favourable response because I want to start playing again and god willing be part of a third World Cup success for India.”

Sreesanth started the day with visits to many churches and temples and simultaneously stayed active on social media, especially Twitter, retweeting scores of messages from fans who wished him well. While the BCCI has said that it will first listen to its legal team before deciding the matter, its vice-president and former Kerala Cricket Association president T.C. Mathew said the national body must follow the order. “Sreesanth must be allowed to play, and I’m hoping there will be a timely response from BCCI. After that I believe Kerala coach Dav Whatmore and the association will be eager to utilise his experience,” he said.

Sreesanth is hoping to return soon and has already set his aim at the 2018 South Africa tour of India., arguably his favourite opposition away from home. In a television interview later in the evening, Sreesanth said: “I’m an optimistic person, and I hope to start with the domestic cricket and then prove myself to play for India again. I hope to be part of the Indian team for the South African tour next year.”