Fast bowler Siddharth Kaul, has been the mainstay of Team Punjab’s bowling for some time now with his the hit-the-deck style of bowling. The 26-year old has consistently done well in the Ranji Trophy for Punjab. He plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL and now is looking to make most of the chances he gets this season.
Team Circle of Cricket recently met with the star for an exclusive interview:
You are from a cricketing background already. Did that motivate you to become a cricketer?
My family has been heavily involved in a lot of sports as Mom is a gymnastic coach, dad is cricket coach and my brother has been playing domestic cricket in England and Bangladesh. I enjoyed playing cricket since childhood and was totally into it when I shifted to Chandigarh. When I was in class 5th I started playing for my school then played State and National level.
You burst onto the scene after an impressive U-19 World Cup which India won in 2008 under the Captaincy of Virat Kohli. Did you feel back then that you are ready for Domestic Cricket?
Before U-19 World Cup, I had played one Ranji game and I took a 5-for on my debut. I remember we were playing the Finals against Baroda and that is when I got to know that I was selected for Under-19 World Cup. It was a really happy moment for me. I never thought about what would happen next and always had the mindset of going with the flow.
Considering that you have done very well in the past in the Domestic circuit. Do you think you deserve a call-up into the Indian Team anytime soon?
I am just concentrating on doing well and go with the process. If they feel I am good enough for the top level, they will take me. I am not thinking too much about it.
Since you are a fast bowler, how difficult is it for you to shift from longer formats to the shorter formats of the game?
I think it is more about your mental toughness. We have to be a little patient in the longer format of the game. In shorter format, you need to think a little more and understand the psyche of the batsman.
You played the Vijay Hazare Tournament this season along with the likes of Bhajji and Yuvi. Have they helped you in your cricketing career?
I really admire Bhajji pa. He is like a big brother to me because he always supports me when I am down. When I going through a difficult patch, I call him directly and he encourages me a lot. Same with Yuvi bhai. Even though they are big stars, they are extremely humble hearted people.
Coming to current Indian skipper, Virat Kohli, who was your Captain in the Indian U-19 World Cup as well. What has changed for him since then?
The biggest change in him has been his fitness levels, be it mental or physical. He was always an aggressive guy on the field and loved to face the opposition. He has really grown as a player and evolved perfectly with time. I really enjoyed playing under him In the past and would love to play under him in the near future for India.
What is your take on MS Dhoni the Indian skipper? Have you had a chance to receive a tip or two from him?
I was very recently part of the India A squad for the tour game against England, in which Mahi bhai was captain. When i met him, I really got positives vibes from him. In our initial chats, he told me to do what I have been doing and keep working on my strengths as a bowler because that is what which has got me where I am today.
