Praveen urges fans not to put pressure on him
Posted on Mar 05, 2008 at 16:31 | Updated Mar 06, 2008 at 00:08
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Tags: cricket, cricket interview, Praveen Kumar
Brisbane: "Don't put pressure on me," were the words of the hero of the CB series - Praveen Kumar, who is already feeling the heat of instant stardom.
With 10 wickets in the CB series and two man-of-the-match awards, Praveen Kumar was without a doubt among India's heroes Down Under. Praveen spoke exclusively to CNN-IBN's Vimal Kumar on the series, his experience and his idol Kapil Dev.
Praveen Kumar: All of us are very happy. We all met at the breakfast table this morning and everyone was extremely happy, more because we defeated them in their own backyard.
Vimal Kumar: Looking at Australia's strong batting line-up, did you expect to actually do so well against them?
Praveen Kumar: The Indian team did well in the Test matches and we had been playing very tough cricket during the one-dayers as well, so we always fancied our chances.
Vimal Kumar: What did Dhoni tell you when he gave you the new ball both in Sydney as well as in Brisbane?
Praveen Kumar: He just told me to bowl the way I wanted to. He said: this is a new ball and you use the way you want to. Just do your best and be happy.
Vimal Kumar: You bowled in three spells and in all those three spells you were very good. What was your mindset when you came on to bowl each time?
Praveen Kumar: I just wanted to swing the ball and stick to a good line and length. I told myself not to give away too many runs and hence, put pressure on the opposition as the run-rate was climbing.
Vimal Kumar: You do agree that after doing well in Australia, you have gained in confidence but at the same time, the pressure has also increased on you. Now everyone would want you to do well every time you step out on the field.
Praveen Kumar: It is alright to have expectations but the fans back home should understand that we always try our best. So, they must realise that it is good to have expectations but one should not put a cricketer under too much of pressure.
Vimal Kumar: Who is your idol?
Praveen Kumar: I used to watch Kapil Dev very closely. I used to like him as an all-rounder.
Vimal Kumar: Do you consider yourself an all-rounder or a bowler first?
Praveen Kumar: I am definitely a bowler first and then a batsman.
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Total Comments: 3
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Posted By Anand S
Chak De!
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Posted By ajay bhushan
it was a superb bowling from praveen,i think he has to still play a lot more matches and gain much
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Posted By Vik
Sorry Praveen, you got to learn to live freely in spite of expectations.Don\''t take the pressure as a burden,lol.Talk to
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