Rajesh Dhar
Jammu, Dec 2: After Mumbai based Vivek Razdan, Uttar Pradesh based Suresh Raina, it is the Punjab based 27-year old Sidharth Kaul (son of Dr Tej Kaul and Sandhya), who has got the National selectors nod to represent Team India, thus becomes the third Kashmiri Pandit (KP) who has been given an opportunity to serve the county at the International scene. Medium pace bowler, Sidharth has the distinction of being the death-overs specialist. His final over in Under-19 World Cup at Malaysia in 2008 was a delight to watch as South Africa needed 18 runs in that over and lost the match by 12 runs to help Virat Kohli led India clinch the World Cup title. Bowling death-overs in IPL, while representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, portraits picture of Australian legend, David Warner’s trust in Kaul’s ability. In a frank telephonic chat with this Correspondent, Kaul talked about his hard-work, achievements and future plans.
Excerpts:
Q. How do you feel to be part of Team India and to whom you attribute your success?
A. It was an amazing feeling to get the news of my selection in Team India during a Ranji Trophy match at Nagpur. It simply brought in me ecstatic rather blissful feeling. It is the sheer-dint of hard-work and devotion that helped me to consistently perform at the higher levels. However, I attribute my success to my father cum coach, Dr Tej Kaul, who with all his experience as trainer of Azharuddin and Tendulkar led Indian teams and coach of Punjab, guided and goaded me to achieve self esteem, which encouraged and motivated me to hone my skill and make cricket as my career. Otherwise, I used to play for fun like most of the children.
Q. Did you ever think that you will represent India?
A. As I already said that I used to play for fun. And it was my father who observed athletic and motor ability in me, along with anticipation and sharp reflexes and decided to refine and mould my skill to make me a cricketer. At that time, he was posted at Gwalior with Sports Authority of India (SAI). He infused in me a belief that I can be a good cricketer that lured me towards marrying this sport and thinking of playing at the higher levels. Then after performing well in a series of tournaments, I got a feeling that I can make India cut by performing well when it mattered the most.
Q. You are tipped to be a hard nut to crack rather lethal in death-overs. Who helped you in this art?
A. I am from a cricketing family. My father was a wicket-keeper batsman in Ranji Trophy and my elder brother Udhay Kaul is a Ranji Trophy Player, who always helped me in shaping my skills and making me artistic. However, as far as the art of bowling in death-overs is concerned, it is Yuvi (Yuvraj Singh) and Ashish Nehra, who have been instrumental in helping me to bowl well in death-overs.
Q. Your family belongs to Jammu and Kashmir, but you played all your cricket outside the State. Please comment?
A. I feel privileged in informing you that my father has represented Jammu and Kashmir in Ranji Trophy and has coached J&K School teams in late 70s, the thinking of which brings in me a sense of belongingness. I along with my brother have also played in J&K, while representing Punjab in School cricket. However, as far as playing outside the State is concerned, there was no option than to play for other State as my father was posted in other States with SAI.
Q. You have represented Punjab in Ranji Trophy, played for various IPL teams and now have made Team India cut. What is your strength?
A. To me variation is the ‘mantra’ to succeed as a bowler. The skill of bowling consistently in good areas and make subtle variations has always been my strength. I hope the same will help me to perform well at the International level also. And as a player, besides being skilful and talented, you need to be mentally tough to excel at the International scene.
Q. What are your future plans?
A. There are no special future plans for me at this stage. I just want to stick to my basics and perform better, if at all, I get a chance to play for my country. I would leave no stone unturned to grab the chance with both hands.
Q. Any message for the budding cricketers of your native State Jammu and Kashmir?
A. Young cricketers always need to focus on the fitness and mental part of the game, rather than anything else. They should avoid experimenting things at the tender and lower age groups and should listen coaches and trainers keenly from the word go.
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