Sreesanth to Miss IPL 2009 Season 2 Because Of Injury

Fast bowler Sreesanth will miss this year's Indian Premier League's (IPL) season two in April-May due to a stress fracture in his lower back, his IPL team Kings XI Punjab announced on 18th March, Wednesday. Right now the pace bowler is in Sydney,undergoing treatment from the physio of Kings XI Punjab - Patrick Farhart, as part of his rehabilitation.

The bowler will instead be associated with his team as ‘fan mentor and community face’. He is quite excited about his new role as well.

Sreesanth said, "I intend to be with the team all along the IPL season. I will be their motivator and will cheer them through to the IPL Season 2 finals so that I can play the champions league with Kings XI Punjab,"

The Kings XI team co-owner Ness Wadia said, 'Sreesanth is an integral part of Kings XI Punjab. The role that we have envisaged for him this year is exciting and vital. He will be pivotal to our playing squad and to our community through various initiatives which will promote the game and the franchise.'

Coach Tom Moody rued Sreesanth's absence and wished the pacer a speedy recovery. He said, "It is unfortunate that Sreesanth will not be participating in the season 2 due to his back injury. He is a performer and was a great asset to the team last season and his absence on the field will surely be felt."

Sreesanth featured in the infamous slap-gate episode last year when Harbhajan Singh slapped him in full public view after the Mohali-based side's match with the Mumbai Indians.