[Exclusive] Rohit Sharma does not indulge in any hotchpotch: Praveen Kumar

Former India pacer Praveen Kumar, who represented India in all three formats, is being seen in a different avatar, this time as a coach in the ongoing 2024 edition of the Legends League Cricket (LLC). The Uttar Pradesh-born who will be guiding the defending champions Manipal Tigers for the third season, has also featured as a player in their title-winning campaign previously. 

In an exclusive conversation with CricTracker on the sidelines of LLC 2024, Kumar discussed his views about coaching a team in lucrative leagues. He also opened up on Indian skipper Rohit Sharma's successful leadership for the country. The veteran pacer gave some tips to the young upcoming pacers of India. He also reflected on possible coaching prospects in the future.

Excerpts

1. What do you want to say about your new role in LLC?

Taking up a new role as a coach with Manipal Tigers is very exciting, and I am looking forward to it. So yes, it does feel good.

2. Can we see you taking up a role of a coach for India or for any franchise in the Indian Premier League? 

Yes definitely. If any opportunity comes my way, I won't shy away from grabbing it with both hands.

3. Rohit Sharma and your friendship goes long back. Did you realize back then that he would go on to become such a successful captain?

Yes, I felt that. Rohit Sharma had those leadership qualities in him since his young days. He tries to keep it simple while captaining and does not indulge in any hotchpotch. He doesn't panic much and keeps it normal while leading the side, and it feels good when we see him lead the country (successfully) like that.

Also Read: 'Rohit yaaro ka yaar hai' - Praveen Kumar heaps praise on Rohit Sharma's friendship

4. If someone wants to become a fast bowler in India, what is the most important thing for them? 

See, some bowlers are natural. For example, there are only a few bowlers who can clock a speed of 150 kmph. It depends on their physique and their arms, there is a little difference in that. Like, Shoaib Akhtar's arm is way more flexible. RP Singh's arm is also similar. Even Jasprit Bumrah's arm, for that matter, resonates a lot with Akhtar's. They train differently, and their body build is slightly different, otherwise, there would have been many bowlers who could bowl at such a pace consistently.

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5. Now that you spoke of Bumrah, who is going to be the next all-format pacer for the Indian team?

A lot of exciting youngsters are up to grab these opportunities, especially in the domestic circuit. Akash Deep is someone who has shown immense promise, but the list does not end there.