#COCExclusive Interview with Siddharth Kaul: "There is a reason why Mahi bhai is known as the best finisher in the world"

Kaul has been the death over specialist for Sunrisers Hyderabad

Punjab fast bowler Siddharth Kaul, is one man who has consistently performed in the domestic circuit. 

However, he did not get enough opportunities in the IPL, prior to this season, to display his skills. This season, Kaul has been regarded as one of the best death overs bowlers in the IPL alongside SRH teammate Bhuvaneshwar Kumar. The 26-year-old right arm fast bowler has scalped 15 wickets in the 8 games he has played for Sunrisers Hyderabad so far, and has made hitting impossible in the death over for the opposition batting.

Team Circle of Cricket met with the star of the moment for SRH as he talked about his bowling performance, bowling in the death, SRH’s chances of play-offs qualification and a lot more.

You did not get enough opportunities with the SRH side in the last two season. How do you feel about becoming a regular now?

It feels great when you play constantly for your team. It is a boost for my confidence as well and it helps me give my best to the team. Whenever I go to the field, I just try to make sure that I give everything I have in myself. Since I have got opportunities this year, I have made the most of it by displaying my skills.

You are more like a death over specialist for the SRH team at the moment. How do you manage to be so consistent?

I have been bowling well since the domestic circuit season for Punjab and that has helped me to continue the same form in the IPL as well. 

I have worked hard on my bowling in the last two seasons and thankfully I am executing my plans well. Really lucky to be playing alongside someone like David Warner. He is always been very supportive. 

Bhuvaneshwar Kumar has also helped me in my bowling since he is quite experienced at the international level with the Indian Team.

Last time you were bowling against MS Dhoni, he hit you for a four in the last ball to win the game. This time, you got him out in the last over. What do you have to say about that?

I was confident bowling against Dhoni bhai. I just executed exactly what we had planned of bowling to him and it paid off this time. Last time around, I got hit for a four and the game got over. 

There is a reason why Mahi bhai is known as the best finisher in the world. I have immense respect for him.

SRH are currently sitting in the Top 4 position in the IPL points table. Do you think your team will make it to the playoffs?

From Day 1 of the IPL, we have thought of winning the tournament. We do not think about being in the top 4. Touchwood, the team is doing well; the bowlers, as well as the batsmen, are doing their bit. We have a strong unit and we will hopefully be in the finals of the IPL this season as well.

The young 18-year-old leg-spinner, Rashid Khan has been an exceptional bowler for SRH. Were you expecting such kind of a performance from him?

To be honest, I did not see him bowl before he came into the IPL. He is a tremendous spin bowler since he has a bunch of variations in his bowling. 

It’s really helpful for a team to have such kind of a bowler who constantly keeps putting pressure on the batsmen. SRH have been known for scalping in a mystery bowler. Last year, Mustafizur Rahman was the trump card, this season it’s Rashid. 

Really good to have such bowlers in the team.

Who is the funniest guy in the SRH team?

Undoubtedly, Bipul Sharma. He is the funniest guys in the team and he knows when to crack a joke. It is great being with him. I have known him for a long time and he is a dear friend as well.

Which are the 4 teams who will make it to the Top 4 this season of the IPL?

SRH of course (Laughs). It’s difficult to name the teams since the table is open at the moment. I think it will be Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Rider’s and Rising Pune Supergiant.

You have been a consistent performer in the Indian Domestic circuit and now you have a successful IPL campaign as well, do you think that a call-up into the Indian team is going to come soon?

Well, I am not thinking too much about getting a call. I am right now focused on the IPL and want to give my 100 percent. Of course, I want to play for Indian in future. It is up to the selectors to pick me or not. My job is to keep bowling well where ever I bowl. 

 
 

By Umesh Lakhmani - 09 May, 2017

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