One of the umpires in our Ranji match informed about India selection, reveals Siddarth Kaul
The Indian selectors have roped in Punjab fast bowler Siddarth Kaul for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. Siddarth has been knocking the doors of the selectors for a while and has been rewarded for his consistent performances in the domestic circuit.
Getting the news of being picked for the first time is always a special moment for any cricketer. The case is no different with Sid as he was equally excited when he first heard the news. He received this piece of information from an umpire, who was a part of his team's Ranji Trophy match in Amritsar.
"I was playing a Ranji Trophy match for Punjab against Services. I was at the venue when the news broke out. The match referee got the news from the internet and one of the umpires called me and informed that I got selected to play for India," said a jubilant Siddarth Kaul in an exclusive interview to Sportskeeda.
"When I got the news, I was blank, was shivering and also got some goosebumps. In simple words, I was on cloud nine when I got the news. Playing for India is a special moment for anyone and I am very excited to play for the country. My parents are also very happy for me," Kaul added.
In the 50 first-class matches he has played, Siddarth has taken 175 wickets at an average of 27 and in 52 List A matches, he has scalped 98 wickets at an average of 22.20. In the shortest format, he has accounted for 69 wickets in 57 matches at an average of 19.79 and an economy of 6.84.
He was included in the India A squad that took on the visiting England side earlier this year and was also a part of the triangular series (for the A teams) in South Africa, where he finished as the third-leading wicket-taker.
When asked about the targets he has set for himself, the 29-year-old vowed to give his 110% whenever he steps on the field and admitted that he didn't set any goals for him going into the ODI series.
"I have not set any targets for myself. If I get to play, I would like to do what I have been doing of late. I was bowling well over the last two years and the selectors picked me in the squad because of that. I would just like to execute the same things that I am doing for Punjab, India A and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL and give my 110% if I get a chance to play," he added.
Also read: Siddarth Kaul: All you need to know about India's latest fast bowling sensation
The 2008 under-19 World Cup winner is a huge fan of Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni and in few days' time, he will be sharing the same dressing room with the wicketkeeper-batsman.
"Playing alongside him (Dhoni) is always exciting. I have played with him for India A in the past and played against him in the IPL as well. But, playing for the national team alongside someone like him is a proud moment for me," he concluded.
We, at Sportskeeda, wish Siddarth Kaul good luck ahead of the ODI series against Sri Lanka and his future endeavours.