Praveen Kumar can thank Munaf for Test debut

Lucky Praveen Kumar, who was supposed to return after the ODI series against West Indies, looks all set to make his Test debut, thanks to Munaf's injury

One man's injury is an other man's opportunity. Within a couple of months, Praveen Kumar and S Sreesanth have witnessed destiny's role in their careers. A regular for past couple of years in India's ODI XI, Praveen got injured just before the biggest tournament of his career ufffd the World Cup and was replaced by Sreesanth. As luck would have it, Praveen was supposed to return after the ODI series in the Caribbean, but got a tour extension because of the Kerala pacer's fitness problems. So, after spending four years in international and playing (52 ODIs), Praveen looks all set to make his Test debut because Munaf Patel is injured.


Praveen Kumar celebrates after dismissing a West Indies batsman during
the fourth ODI at the Sir Vivian Richard Stadium in St John's on June 13.
Pic/AFP

Recently, Praveen was praised by former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie, who worked as bowling coach for King's XI Punjab in IPL IV. "Praveen did remarkably well in the IPL especially after coming back from injury. He has the guile and swing to take early wickets. He is one of the most talented bowlers with a rare skill to swing the ball both ways. Besides, he has a very good slower ball. He is an exceptional talent."

Praveen's 'original' coach Vipin Vats believes that it's better late than never. Vats who kept wickets to the likes of Kapil Dev and Manoj Prabhakar in domestic cricket, says that the Meerut pacer's swing is natural like Kapil and Prabhakar. "I fail to understand why somebody who takes 90 odd wickets in his first two first-class seasons can be branded as a ODI specialist. He performed remarkably well on the placid wickets during the Ranji and Duleep Trophy. I remember once 'PK' asked me not to leave grass on pitches so that he could learn more about taking wickets on unresponsive decks," said Vats.

Gillespie, who claimed 259 wickets in 71 Tests for Australia, felt Praveen could be a force in English conditions. "He is certainly good enough to play Test cricket. He needs to continue to develop his fitness. He will be a real force especially in places like England where in overcast conditions his style of bowling will help."