I knew that good performance in domestic cricket will be rewarded: Siddarth Kaul

27-year-old Siddarth Kaul took a five-wicket haul in his last Ranji appearance against Bengal. But the most pleasing development for him at the moment will be the news of his inclusion into the national side for the limited overs series against Sri Lanka. Punjab was playing against Services yesterday when match referee Sunil Chaturvedi sent the message to the cricketer through on-field umpires Vineet Kulkarni and K Srinath.

India will be without their regular skipper Virat Kohli, as he has been rested in order to charge up his batteries for the tour to South Africa. Rohit Sharma will lead the side in Kohli’s absence. Batsman Shreyas Iyer has also been included in the side.

“It was drinks break at that time and one of the umpires came up to me and said that match referee sir (Chaturvedi) had informed that I have been selected in the Indian ODI squad. I didn’t know how to react at that moment. It was the biggest piece of news in my cricketing career and I got it on field,” said Kaul.

Kaul is not a new face for cricket fans, he was a part of the 2008 U19 world cup, which India went on to win, defeating South Africa in Kuala Lumpur. Kohli was the captain of the side then. And apart from him, Ravindra Jadeja too has cemented his place in the national side. “I was always hopeful that if I keep performing, I would get my share of chances. Yes, it was a great feeling to win the U-19 World Cup but all these years I knew that good performance at the domestic level would be rewarded.” Kaul said.

Kaul credits his seniors

Kaul also credited his senior teammates in the Punjab team- Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh for their mentorship.”Yuvi paaji and Bhajju paa are inspirations for all of us in the Punjab team. They have played so much of international cricket that even the slightest input during match situations can improve you as a bowler.” he said

“Whenever they have been around, I have only gained as a player. It’s not like they would coach you but just give you subtle hints about what to do in specific situations.” Kaul added.