Praveen Kumar is determined to look forward and not sulk at missing out the chance to play in the 2011 World Cup because of an injury.
“What happened is past. There is no point in thinking about that too much. It is time to focus on doing well in the on-going IPL,” said fast bowler Praveen, now representing King's XI Punjab.
“I am not looking at the IPL only as an opportunity to regain my slot in the Indian team,” he says. “Selection is not in my hands, so the only thing I can do right now is perform consistently,” said the 24-year-old Praveen.
“There is very tough competition for fast bowlers aiming to play for India now. And, I feel this is good for the players and for Indian cricket.
“I do not agree with the general impression that I am on a comeback trail. I don't want to think along those lines. Basically, I am enjoying the IPL and bowling on the excellent tracks which are helping the fast bowlers with good bounce and carry.
“And moreover I feel that my rhythm is slowly coming back,” said the paceman who has played 48 ODIs picking up 57 wickets, and four T20 internationals with an economy rate of 5.44 for his four wickets.
In perspective
Referring to his feat of taking two wickets off the first two balls of the innings against Chennai Super Kings, Praveen was not too excited recalling that he had achieved that in domestic cricket too.
“In the T20 format, it is important to be consistent right through. There is very little scope for error.
“So, even if you take two wickets and then get whacked around, there is nothing to rave about,” he said.
“But I have to really improve my bowling in the death overs. I am working hard with Jason Gillespie and coach Michael Bevan.
“I believe that you can learn something new from any bowling coach. The process of learning is an ongoing one.”
About playing in different formats Praveen said: “You can always come back in a Test match. In a one-dayer, the margin is less.
“But, in the T20 there is no room at all for mistakes. You have to be spot on and everything happens quickly.
“There is lot of pressure on bowlers in the IPL. So, we have to do lot of planning. I just hope to do well and I am grateful to my franchisee owners.”
