Siddarth Kaul Bids Farewell to Indian Cricket, Eyes Opportunities Overseas
Fast bowler Siddarth Kaul, known for his consistency and skill in Indian domestic cricket, has announced his retirement from Indian cricket nearly six years after his last international appearance. At 34, Kaul’s decision marks the end of a career that spanned 17 years and was highlighted by notable achievements both in domestic and international cricket. However, Kaul is far from hanging up his boots entirely, expressing interest in playing overseas in leagues and county cricket.
A Promising Career with Indian Roots
Kaul made his debut for India in 2018, featuring in three T20Is and three ODIs between June 2018 and February 2019. Though his international career was brief, it was a result of consistent performances in domestic tournaments and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
International Highlights:
Kaul’s international debut came during India’s tour of Ireland in 2018. His performance in the IPL, particularly with Sunrisers Hyderabad, had earned him the call-up. In the 2018 IPL season, he was SRH’s joint-highest wicket-taker with 21 wickets, contributing to their journey to the final.
Domestic Dominance
Kaul’s contribution to domestic cricket has been monumental.
- First-Class Career: 297 wickets in 88 matches at an average of 26.77.
- List A Cricket: 199 wickets at 24.30.
- T20 Cricket: 182 wickets at 22.04, with an economy rate of 7.67.
In the 2023-24 season, Kaul was instrumental in Punjab’s maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy victory, finishing as their leading wicket-taker with 16 scalps in 10 matches. He followed it up with a strong performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, picking up 19 wickets in six games.
Kaul holds the record for being the all-time leading wicket-taker in both the Vijay Hazare Trophy (155 wickets) and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (120 wickets), underscoring his dominance in India’s white-ball domestic circuit.
IPL Contributions
Kaul had a fruitful IPL career, representing multiple franchises, including:
- Sunrisers Hyderabad: 16 wickets in 2017 and 21 wickets in 2018.
- Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Royal Challengers Bangalore at different points in his career.
His performances, particularly in death-bowling situations, were highly valued.
Early Promise and Comebacks
Kaul’s cricketing journey began with promise, as he was part of the U-19 World Cup-winning team under Virat Kohli’s captaincy in 2008. However, his career faced setbacks due to recurring back injuries, which kept him out of the game for over five years.
When Kaul returned in 2012, he became a vital part of Punjab’s domestic bowling attack, forming a strong unit alongside the likes of Manpreet Gony, Sandeep Sharma, and Barinder Sran.
Exploring Overseas Opportunities
Even after retiring from Indian cricket, Kaul remains optimistic about his future in the game. He expressed a desire to continue playing overseas in county cricket, Major League Cricket (MLC), or tournaments like the Legends League.
In 2024, Kaul represented Northamptonshire in three County Championship Division 2 matches, where he claimed 13 wickets at an average of 29.84. His experience with Northants exemplifies his adaptability and readiness to explore new avenues.
Kaul on His Retirement
Speaking about his decision to retire, Kaul said:
“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 rather than being asked to go due to fitness or non-performance at some other point. Hopefully, going forward, opportunities like county cricket or Legends League will come my way.”
Legacy of Siddarth Kaul
Kaul leaves behind a legacy of resilience, consistent performances, and a love for the game. His records in domestic cricket and IPL performances will remain benchmarks for aspiring cricketers.
