Siddarth Kaul, the seasoned fast bowler, has announced his retirement from Indian cricket, marking the end of a 17-year-long professional journey. Kaul, who represented India in three ODIs and three T20Is between June 2018 and February 2019, took to Instagram to share the news. While stepping away from domestic cricket, the 34-year-old expressed interest in exploring opportunities abroad, showcasing his enduring passion for the sport.
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Early Days and Breakthrough
Kaul’s cricketing career began with a first-class debut for Punjab at the age of 17 in Mohali. He first rose to prominence during the 2008 Under-19 World Cup, where he was an integral part of Virat Kohli’s victorious Indian team. However, his promising start was interrupted by multiple back injuries, limiting his appearances between 2007 and 2012 to just six domestic games.
Despite these setbacks, Kaul’s determination saw him make a strong comeback, joining a new generation of Punjab fast bowlers alongside Manpreet Gony, Sandeep Sharma, and Barinder Sran.
Domestic Cricket Achievements
Kaul’s consistency in domestic cricket was remarkable. He became the all-time highest wicket-taker in both the Vijay Hazare Trophy (155 wickets) and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (120 wickets). His ability to deliver under pressure made him a vital player in Punjab’s white-ball squads. His standout performances include the 2023-24 season, where he played a crucial role in Punjab’s maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy victory, claiming 16 wickets in 10 games. He also topped the wicket charts for Punjab in the Vijay Hazare Trophy that year with 19 scalps in six matches.
IPL and National Team Recognition
Kaul’s performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) earned him a national call-up. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2017 and 2018 seasons, he picked up 16 and 21 wickets, respectively. His consistent displays, especially in death-over situations, made him one of the standout performers for SRH, contributing significantly to their runners-up finish in 2018. Apart from Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kaul also played for Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL.
In June 2018, Kaul debuted for India in a T20I against Ireland. Later that year, he was part of the Asia Cup-winning squad, cementing his brief but memorable international career. Reflecting on his journey, Kaul said, “When I was a child playing cricket in the fields in Punjab, I had one dream. A dream to represent my country. In 2018, by God’s grace, I received my India Cap Number 75 in the T20I team and Cap Number 221 in the ODI team.”
Challenges and Legacy
Kaul’s career was not without its challenges. Persistent injuries and competition from a robust pool of Indian fast bowlers limited his international opportunities. Yet, his resilience and passion for the game never waned. Over 88 first-class matches, Kaul claimed 297 wickets at an impressive average of 26.77. His List A career saw him take 199 wickets at 24.30, while he captured 182 T20 scalps with a commendable economy rate of 7.67.
Kaul’s ability to adapt and excel in different formats ensured his longevity. He also gained experience abroad, playing for Northamptonshire in three County Championship matches earlier this year, where he picked up 13 wickets at an average of 29.84.
Retirement and Future Aspirations
Announcing his retirement, Kaul expressed his desire to bow out on a high note. “I feel I still have 3-4 years of cricket left in me, but I wanted to go out on a high, when I was at peak fitness and performing well,” he shared. He remains open to opportunities in overseas leagues, including county cricket, Legends League, and Major League Cricket.
Kaul’s contribution to Indian cricket, especially his commitment to Punjab and his impactful performances in domestic and franchise cricket, leave behind a lasting legacy. As he ventures into the next phase of his career, Kaul stands as an example of perseverance and dedication for aspiring cricketers.
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FAQs
Why did Siddarth Kaul retire from Indian cricket?
Siddarth Kaul retired to end his career on a high note while still at peak fitness and performance. He plans to explore opportunities in overseas leagues like county cricket and the Legends League.
What were Siddarth Kaul’s major achievements in domestic cricket?
Kaul is the all-time highest wicket-taker in both the Vijay Hazare Trophy (155 wickets) and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (120 wickets). He also led Punjab to victory in the 2023-24 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as their top wicket-taker.
When did Siddarth Kaul represent India in international cricket?
Kaul played for India in three ODIs and three T20Is between June 2018 and February 2019. He was also part of India’s victorious 2018 Asia Cup squad.
Which IPL teams did Siddarth Kaul play for?
Kaul represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL, with standout performances for SRH in the 2017 and 2018 seasons.
