It was a trip down memory lane for S Sreesanth, the latest pin-up boy of Indian cricket, who took time off from his tight schedule and paid a visit to his alma mater — the Florence Public School in RT Nagar — where he was felicitated at a simple function here this morning.

Greeted with a flurry of placards and posters highlighting his Twenty20 heroics, the 24-year-old ‘bowled’ his heart out on a different wicket with his customary elan.

Recalling his good old days in the school, where he was more famous for his dance numbers — he was called Florence Jackson then — Sreesanth said whatever he is today is because of hard work. “It is your attitude that counts most. If you are willing to work hard, the results will come your way. I have reached this stage with perseverance and also thanks to almighty who has always stood by me,” he told the students while asking them to never give up without trying.

The Kerala Express said the victory was history and that it was time to move ahead. “Obviously, it was a great victory, but we can’t sit on the laurels. Australia are already here and I am looking forward to having a good series against them.”

The new Florencians, who had seen only the heroics of Sreesanth on a cricket pitch, then realised why he is rated as a good dancer.

The cricketer danced with the students who had painted their chests with their idol’s image to the tune of the latest chartbuster Chake De -- which has now become synonymous with every Indian victory in any sport -- to send the motley crowd into raptures. The school presented Sreesanth a cash award of Rs 1 lakh and a memento. A poem praising his exploits was read out which ended with the lines ‘There is no fear when Sreesanth is around.’