Monday, January 21, 2019

India vs New Zealand: Zaheer and Nehra's guidance helping Siddarth Kaul

Siddarth Kaul (Getty Images)
NEW DELHI: Indian medium pacer Siddarth Kaul played a vital role in India A’s series victory against New Zealand A recently. The Punjab pacer claimed 7 wickets in three matches to help India complete a 3-0 series whitewash in New Zealand.

He might be 28 years old, but the selectors realised that his performances in New Zealand are worthy of a National call-up and Kaul was called-up for the 3 match T20 series against the Black Caps.

Kaul knows the experience of having played in New Zealand recently is what he needs to bank on, if he is included in the playing XI.


“It wouldn’t be easy as both (India and India A) are different platforms. I am just aware of the conditions as I recently played a number of matches in New Zealand. You have windy conditions in New Zealand. When I will go there, I will observe and will bowl accordingly. I want to give my 100 percent for the team.” Siddarth Kaul told Timesofindia.com.

After his India A heroics, Kaul continued his good form in the Ranji Trophy as well. In the 6 Ranji Trophy matches he has played this season, Kaul has taken 23 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls.

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Kaul, who has played 3 ODIs and 2 T20Is so far for India, credits veteran Indian pacers Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra for guiding him.

“It feels great when you have two legends – Ashish Nehra and Zaheer Khan – helping you to take your game to another level. They both played big roles in my rise,” said Kaul.

“I have recently spent a decent amount of time with Zak paa (Zaheer Khan). I bowled and learnt many things under his supervision. He told me that the ethics are the same at the domestic and international levels, but when you play international matches, the margin of error becomes less,” the Punjab bowler said.

“Meeting Zak paa was a huge experience for me. Due to their (Zaheer and Nehra's) guidance, I have improved my line, length and speed as well,” Kaul told TimesofIndia.com

“Zak paa and Ashu bhai (Ashish Nehra) asked me to bowl as many deliveries in the nets as possible. They used to observe and give tips after that. He (Zaheer Khan) asked me not to experiment with anything and strengthen my basics. It was such a big learning experience.” Kaul said.

“I have spent some time with Ashish Nehra at Sunrisers Hyderabad. He just said analyse the situation and (then) bowl accordingly. He said try to put yourself in the batsman’s situation. What will you do? Now do something to stop him,” Kaul said.


With the ICC ODI World Cup this year scheduled to be held in England and Wales in a few months time, the Indian selectors will have a problem of plenty when they sit down to pick the fast bowlers who will be part of the Indian World Cup squad.


The likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be on top of the list. Meanwhile, left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur have also thrown their hats in the ring for World Cup spots. The T20s in New Zealand will perhaps be Kaul's last chance to book a possible World Cup ticket.


On being asked about his World Cup dreams, Kaul said he just wants to focus on the New Zealand tour.


“I don’t want to think about it (World Cup) right now. I want to focus on whatever is coming my way. I am just focused on my current assignments. Let this decision be the captain's and the selectors'. If they think I deserve it, they will surely consider (me),” Kaul signed off.
Source : timesofindia[dot]indiatimes[dot]com

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