Dropping me was unjust, says Indian pacer Praveen Kumar

Praveen Kumar is sure about his chances of making a comeback

Amidst his preparation for the Uttar Pradesh vs Mumbai Ranji Trophy match, pacer Praveen Kumar said that ignoring him even after his performance in the Asia Cup was unreasonable. He also feels Indian seamers need to focus more on their fitness and analysing the game.

The 29-year-old from Meerut told TOI, “I still don't know why I was dropped. I was fit, and bowled well in Dhaka (Asia Cup). However, asking people why I was excluded isn't my nature.”

Indian team’s PK shared some advice for the current lot of Indian pacers. Commenting on their form, he said, “It is the individual’s fault. They have to analyse their game, work on their fitness and skills. Umesh Yadav and Varun Aaron are quick, but they have to realise that there’s no use of bowling fast if they're conceding too many runs. I have hope from Mohammad Shami. He's genuinely good.”

Praveen Kumar is disappointed with Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s drop in form and feels that 25-year-old needs to take help from somebody. “I'm ready to help him if he wants to talk to me. He has to focus on getting his swing back. In order to do that, he must bowl fuller than what he is doing currently. I really want him to improve. My dream is to bowl in tandem with him for India,” he said.

The 29-year-old feels that aggression on field is needed but it should be restricted to certain limits. He feels incidents like the recent one between Manoj Tiwary and Gautam Gambhir should be avoided by all means. “I have been involved in a few incidents myself, but I am wiser now,” he added.

Praveen started his career eight years back and was quite instrumental in India’s maiden tri-series victory down under. However, three years back, due to disciplinary issues and drop in form, he was scrapped from the team.

PK has high hopes of making his way back to the national team. When asked whether he thinks there are chances of his comeback he said, “Very much. Otherwise, why would I be playing domestic cricket? I've taken 15 wickets in four games this season (including 5-16 vs Gujarat). I've bowled 40 overs in an innings on flat pitches, which proves my fitness.”

Praveen Kumar’s Uttar Pradesh will compete against Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy match on Saturday, November 7.