Praveen Kumar might have faded away from the international scene, but he is far from calling it quits. Kumar was just a sensation for India, as he played an instrumental role in helping MS Dhoni’s side to win the CB Series in Australia in March 2008. On being questioned about his absence from international cricket, Kumar gave a straight forward reply, saying that even he didn’t know the reason behind his exclusion.
Kumar opened up on a few issues with TOI in an interview. Below, are the excerpts from his interview.
Do you still harbour hopes of a comeback?
Very much. Otherwise, why would I be playing domestic cricket? I’ve taken 15 wickets in four games this season including 5-16 vs Gujarat. I’ve bowled 40 overs in an innings on flat pitches, which proves my fitness.
Did you ever ask MS Dhoni or the selectors about why you have been ignored?
I still don’t know why I was dropped. I was fit and bowled well in Dhaka (Asia Cup). However, asking people why I was excluded isn’t my nature.
We’ve tried so many seamers in the last five years. But except Ishant, no one has established himself…
It is the individual’s fault. They have to analyse their game, work on their fitness and skills. Umesh Yadav and Varun Aaron are quick, but they have to realise that there’s no use of bowling fast if they’re conceding too many runs. I have hope from Mohammad Shami. He’s genuinely good.
How pained are you at seeing Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s performances slip?
He is doing a few basic things wrong, and must speak to someone soon. I’m ready to help him if he wants to talk to me. He has to focus on getting his swing back. In order to do that, he must bowl fuller than what he is doing currently. I really want him to improve. My dream is to bowl in tandem with him for India. There’s plenty of talk about
There’s plenty of talk about the need for aggression in cricket. Do you agree?
There must be a limit. What happened in Delhi (the recent brawl between Gautam Gambhir and Manoj Tiwary must be avoided. I have been involved in a few incidents myself, but I am wiser now.
Is it easy for a pacer to stage a comeback on flat tracks in domestic cricket?
Firstly, the Board must not tinker with the domestic schedule. Last year, they started the season around 20 days later, and this time, they began the Ranji Trophy a month earlier. The wickets in The North are too flat due to October heat and provides no juice for the seamers. Everyone is preparing turners to capitalise on home advantage or flat pitches. With winter setting in, the pitches are starting to get juicier, but by the time they come into their own, the tournament would be over.
How impressed are you with Sarfaraz Khan?
He scored a hundred for us on an easy wicket in the first game, but he is weak against pace bowling. However, he’s talented, and will learn with time.