IPL 2018: Pacer Siddarth Kaul keen for India cap second time around

The Kaul residence in Zirakpur near Chandigarh has been buzzing with congratulatory messages for over a month now. First it was Siddharth Kaul’s engagement, followed by the speedster’s outstanding performances for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2018, and now his inclusion in the Indian T20 and ODI team for the England and Ireland tour.

The 27-year-old Punjab pacer has been producing superb spells for Sunrisers Hyderabad, helping take it to the top of the table.

Siddharth was delighted with his selection. “I have experienced this before. It feels good to be rewarded. Every cricketer wants to play for the country. Playing in Ireland and England would be a great opportunity. God has been kind and blessed me with so much.

“Playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad this season has been life-changing. I have felt very confident and in control.”

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Not getting a game

Siddharth was in the Indian ODI team for a three-match series against Sri Lanka last year but didn’t get to play. A second call-up must be re-assuring for Siddharth, who has had a tremendous run in IPL and earned praise from cricket experts for his bowling for Sunrisers Hyderabad. “The kind of faith my coach Tom Moody and skipper Kane Williamson have shown me and backed me helped bring out the best in me. I share a great rapport with Kane since we played in the U-19 World Cup in 2008. His captaincy brought the best in me. And all my

plans were successfully executed. The conditions in Ireland and

England will assist my bowling,” said Siddharth, who has taken 13 wickets in 10 matches in IPL 2018. He was bought back by the Hyderabad franchise for Rs 3.80 crore in the IPL auction.

Siddharth has been able to come out of Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s shadows this season, making a mark when the SRH and India spearhead has been rested.

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His elder brother Uday Kaul, a Ranji Trophy player, lauded his brother for his perseverence. “He was not disappointed when he did not get a chance to play against Sri Lanka. He worked hard on a national team call-up. He should shine in English conditions.”

Uday has played for Ombersley Cricket Club in the Birmingham and District Premier League for three successive years in England, and the experience should help him.

Son of former cricketer and Indian cricket team physiotherapist Tej Kaul and SAI gymnastics coach Sandhya Kaul, Siddharth will marry his fiancée Harsimran Kaur next year, before the IPL season. “We grew up in a cricket environment to play for India one day. Cricket has been our life. I hope this time I am able to do it and not just sit on the bench,” said Siddharth.