Interview with Siddharth Kaul: "Six dot balls against the legendary Rahul Dravid was very satisfying"

He was the second highest wicket-taker in the 2012-13 Ranji season. Siddharth Kaul is one of the rare medium pacers in the country who works hard and believes that his strong roots and work ethics will some day help him make it big.

Though he was a crucial member of the Indian U-19 team that won the World Cup under Virat Kohli’s leadership, his fortunes didn’t quite take off the way Kohli’s did. But he never draws comparisons with Kohli nor does he let it affect him.

Kaul, in fact, is committed to continue giving his best and leave the rest to destiny. You can call him old-fashioned but he certainly is deep-rooted.

In an exclusive chat with Sportskeeda, Kaul spoke of his desires and his experience from the just-concluded IPL 6.

Do you think your efforts in the Ranji Trophy, where you were the second highest wicket taker, paid off as you figured in the Champions Trophy probables?

I can’t say my efforts paid off as such, but I am happy my efforts are being recognised. It feels great to be a part of a big league with some of the best players in the country. Actually, speaking of my efforts paying off, my aim is to make it to the Test squad in the next five years. That’s my target.

It’s good to know that a youngster like you who has been a part of the T20 league and also won the U-19 World Cup in limited overs, is actually keen on playing Test cricket.

Yes, that’s because I really love cricket and a Test match is definitely the ultimate challenge for any cricketer in terms of showcasing his abilities. Look, T20 is a game where ‘aaj hit ho toh kal flop’ (today you can be a hit but tomorrow you might be a flop). The game is very uncertain. But in a Test, your class and temperament are put to test.

Is it because that you come from a family that has strong roots in cricket (father is an SAI coach for cricket and has played for Punjab and his brother too is a Punjab player) that you are inclined towards playing Tests?

I am not necessarily inclined towards Tests because of my dad’s influence as such. He just wants to see me play good cricket. I am working on my skills and getting stronger. I am taking things step by step and want to give my 110 percent at club cricket, for state, for my bank or some day for the country.

Knowing that playing Test cricket takes a lot of mental strength, is there anything you are working on to get better and be prepared mentally?

I watch a lot of videos of greats like Sachin Tendulkar and Dale Steyn, and sharing the dressing room with Sehwag (Virender) bhai, I have learnt a lot. I have learnt more about the discipline we require and about the things that need to be done before and after the game.

Can you elaborate on what you learnt from your stint at the IPL this season?

The experience I gained has been great. Working with TA Sekhar Sir and Eric Simmons gave me a lot of knowledge. I even got to learn how to deal with the fluctuations in results most importantly, how to get over a bad performance or a loss.

Before IPL 6 started, you wanted to bowl at Sachin Tendulkar. Did you get to do that?

I didn’t get a chance to bowl at Sachin paaji but I got to have a chat with him for almost 15 minutes in his room when we were in Mumbai. He is like a god to me. I was dumbstruck and felt like God was sitting in front of me. I did nothing but listen to what he was saying. I had goosebumps. (laughs)

Was there anyone you bowled against which you will cherish the most?

Yes, of course. I bowled six dot balls to the legendary Rahul Dravid. I felt awesome about that. I mean, in the whole tournament, this is what we youngsters look forward to. I bowled at Dhoni bhai and so many other senior players who have played for the country for so long.

How do you unwind after the completion of the league?

Bas…. I am at home right now, eating good food and recovering from the tournament.