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It's not often you see a cricketer elicit sighs of relief from the opposition. Yet, you could sense their comfort when Delhi found out that Punjab would be without their pace-bowling spearhead Siddharth Kaul due to injury. After making his comeback, the now 33-year-old Siddharth Kaul is eagerly eyeing a Ranji Trophy win for his team. While Mandeep Singh and Gurkeerat Mann have been pillars for Punjab, Kaul's absence left the squad noticeably less menacing.
Known for his blunt honesty, Kaul was sidelined during a crucial match against Delhi. Observing his team's bowling weaknesses, he did not mince words and said, "We didn't bowl in the right areas."
Siddharth Kaul stats showcase a return to form after a tough period sidelined by injuries. When he returned to face Kerala on a tricky Thumba pitch, he almost single-handedly sealed a win for Punjab. Despite Jalaj Saxena's impressive seven-wicket haul in the second innings, Kaul shone brightly by bagging eight wickets and contributing valuable runs in both innings.
When talking to TOI, Kaul emphasised the mental aspects of the game. He said, "Both teams played competitive cricket. A slight application from our side, and we could have won. That's how cricket is. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose."
Kaul had to sit out three matches during the Ranji Trophy opener against Rajasthan due to a lower abdomen injury. Until then, he had remained injury-free for seven years—a remarkable feat for any fast bowler.
When you look at Siddharth Kaul IPL performances, especially with Sunrisers Hyderabad, you'll notice his diverse skill set. From mastering the incoming delivery to a consistent knuckleball, he's got an arsenal that can trouble any batsman. Additionally, Kaul credits his stint with fellow pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for fine-tuning his skills.
Kaul's endless pursuit of improvement was evident when he spent time with Zaheer Khan to work on his yorker and slower balls.
With Siddharth Kaul age now in the early 30s, he hasn't given up hopes of an international comeback. He has previously played three ODIs and T20Is each for India. "Seeing my peers do well only motivates me to work harder," Kaul said about his aspirations for the Indian team.
Kaul has been a cricket sensation since his Under-19 days. Who could forget his jubilant slide on the turf when India won the Under-19 World Cup in 2008? His advice to the upcoming talents is simple: "Enjoy the journey and express yourself."
Despite the early promise, Kaul knows the challenges that lie ahead. "Post the Under-19 World Cup, I was overconfident. But I soon realised breaking into the senior team isn't easy. It took me ten years, but I got there," he reflected.
Siddharth Kaul continues to be an influential figure in domestic cricket. His remarkable career, both on the Ranji Trophy stage and in the Siddharth Kaul IPL innings, showcases a player full of potential and resilience. As the T20 World Cup approaches, Kaul is set on greater achievements, reiterating his desire to "help Punjab win the Ranji Trophy first."
FAQs
How old is Siddharth Kaul?
He is 33 years old.
What was Siddharth Kaul's significant performance against Kerala?
He bagged eight wickets and scored valuable runs in both innings.
How many international ODIs and T20Is has Kaul played?
He has played three ODIs and three T20Is for India.
What unique skill has Kaul developed in his IPL career?
He has mastered the knuckleball.
