I am playing for myself now: Sreesanth

Eager to make an India comeback after being laid low by injuries and lack of form, temperamental pacer S Sreesanth has said he has adopted a self-centred approach towards the game to reclaim his place in the national side.

“I am bowling in very good rhythm and enjoying my cricket. I am playing for myself. Previously I used to play for my parents and country. If you do well for yourself it will also help the team,” said the Kerala bowler on day three of the five-day Irani Cup match in Mumbai on Friday.

Sreesanth bowled a few testing overs to senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar but picked up just one wicket for 80 in 21 overs as Rest of India bowled out Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai for 409 in reply to their massive first innings tally of 526.

Sreesanth tested Tendulkar with a few short balls which the senior batsman either ducked or tried unsuccessfully to swat away over the slips.

“I got him (Tendulkar) out in my mind,” said Sreesanth about the 39-year-old centurion who made 140 not out and equalled Sunil Gavaskar's national record of 81 first class hundreds.

Asked about the upcoming team selection for the Test series against Australia, Sreesanth said it was not in his hands.

“I look forward to being picked against Australia but it's up to the selectors. I was not even sure of being selected to play in the Irani Cup. I am thankful that seven weeks after my toe surgery I am able to play here.

“If I am not selected (for Australia Test series) I would go and play in the (South Zone) Subbiah Pillay (one-day) tournament (in Goa),” he said.

Meanwhile, Mumbai's Ajinkya Rahane, who made 83 before being controversially given out leg before, said he was disappointed at missing out on a hundred.

“It's all part and parcel of the game, but I was disappointed in not getting a century,” said Rahane, who hit nine fours and a six in 183 balls.