By Kedar Yenpure
Siddarth Kaul, a right-arm pace bowler, began playing cricket in 1996 under the influence of his father, Tej, a former physiotherapist with the Indian team. Kaul’s father also played first-class cricket. Siddarth made his debut for Punjab team in 2007-08 taking 5 for 97 against Orissa. Siddarth’s first major international tournament was in the year 2008 -Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia.Kaul played a vital part in India’s victory with his accurate line and length, which brought him ten wickets at an average of 15.40.
Kaul said that he never lost hope of being selected in the team.
“I was always hopeful that if I keep performing, I would get my share of chance. Yes, it was a great feeling to win the U-19 world cup but all these years I know that good performing at the domestic level would be rewarded,” said Kaul.
Injured Siddharth Never Gave Up
A spate of injuries, however, meant his career went downhill. Between December 2007 and February 2012, Kaul played all of six domestic matches across formats. In the year 2012, he showed glimpses of improved form and fitness picking up 38 wickets in 13 matches. He found his rhythm the following season, drawing inspiration from Yuvraj Singh. The rejuvenated Kaul was signed up by Delhi Daredevils in 2013, but had an ordinary stint with them. Kaul then joined his Punjab teammate Yuvraj at Sunrisers Hyderabad for the 2016 IPL.
He was a part of India A team that took on the visiting England earlier this year. He was also a part of the triangular series in South Africa, where he finished as the third – leading wicket-taker. Without losing hope, Kaul was playing domestic cricket continuously for nine years.
He received the news of his maiden India call-up from the on-field umpires during a Ranji trophy match. Punjab was bowling against Services in Amritsar on Monday when match referee Sunil Chaturvedi sent a message through umpires Vineet Kulkarni and K Srinath for Kaul.
