The experiences of being an international athlete become particularly poignant when you transition out of that role. This sentiment becomes evident when listening to Praveen Kumar, the bowler renowned for his remarkable swing, sharing his journey in a candid conversation with The Lallantop.
Who is Praveen Kumar:
Praveen Kumar, the former Indian cricketer renowned for his right-arm medium-fast bowling, entered the international cricket scene in 2007. Born on October 2, 1986, in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India, Kumar gained recognition for his adept ability to swing the ball in both directions, establishing himself as a valuable asset in the pace department.
Representing India across Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), Praveen Kumar’s international career unfolded from 2007 to 2012. His contributions were particularly notable in limited-overs cricket, where he played pivotal roles in several memorable moments.
However, Kumar’s cricket journey was not without its share of challenges. Dealing with injuries and off-field controversies, including matters related to temperament and alcohol consumption, added complexities to his career. In 2018, Praveen Kumar officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
Kumar reflects on both the incredible highs and deafening lows that come with a career in professional sports. As he finds himself no longer connected to the game at its pinnacle, unlike some of his retired peers who continue to secure lucrative opportunities in the sport, Kumar seems to miss the glory days.
In an open conversation with The Lallantop, the bowler renowned for his impressive swing shares insights into his journey.
During his peak, Kumar stood out as a celebrated swing bowler in a predominantly spin-focused Indian line-up. However, he also garnered attention for various off-field incidents, including struggles with alcoholism and an episode involving pursuing a doctor with a rifle.
While acknowledging his consumption of alcohol, Kumar contends that the issue is often exaggerated and “blown out of proportion.”
Being a professional athlete is no simple feat, and being an Indian cricketer, especially, presents its own set of challenges. Just ask Virat Kohli.
While he undoubtedly basked in the limelight when he burst onto the scene, these days, Kohli opts for overseas tours to carve out moments for simple pleasures, like enjoying a peaceful walk on a bustling street.
Career of Praveen Kumar:
Praveen Kumar’s cricket career, initiated with his debut for India in 2007 and concluded in 2012, was characterized by a mix of achievements and controversies. Recognized for his adept swing bowling, he emerged as a promising force in India’s pace attack.
However, his trajectory faced setbacks due to injuries and challenges with temperament, ultimately leading to Praveen’s retirement from all forms of cricket in 2018. His final appearance in an international match for India was on March 30, 2012, during a T20 international against South Africa in Johannesburg, where he remained wicketless.
The former Indian pacer conveyed his frustration at being unfairly singled out and seeing his reputation tarnished by allegations of drinking. Praveen Kumar believes that these accusations were unfairly utilized to cast him in a negative light.
Although he refrained from explicitly naming anyone, Praveen hinted that a particular individual had maligned his character based on his alcohol consumption. He contended that he was not the sole player who indulged in alcohol and emphasized that several other players shared this practice.
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