Praveen Kumar


Praveen Kumar is a former Indian cricketer who bowled right-hand medium-pace. In first-class cricket, he played for Uttar Pradesh cricket team. He relied on his ability to swing the ball both ways along with line and length. In October 2018, he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.

Personal life

He was born at Laprana village of Shamli district on October 2, 1986 to a police head constable Mr. Sakat Singh Khaiwal and Mrs. Murti Devi Khaiwal. He married Sapna Choudhary in 2010, she is a national-level Shooting sport player.
He owns a farmhouse in Barnava village and Praveen Restaurant and Wedding Banquet in Meerut on NH-58 Rohta Road Crossing.
He entered politics by joining Samajwadi Party prior to the UP assembly
He also tried to commit suicide due to his stress and now he attended counselling and looking forward towards his life.

The Cricketing Lime Light

Praveen Kumar first came to limelight for his performances for India Red in the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy 2007.

ODI Debut for India

He made his One Day International cricket debut for the India national cricket team against Pakistan national cricket team at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur in November 2007.
He was later selected for the tri-nation Commonwealth Bank Series in 2008 in Australia against Australia national cricket team and Sri Lanka national cricket team and played an important role in the Indian triumph. He was noted for his swing and his battles against Ricky Ponting.
He established himself as the premier opening bowler for India in the ODIs from 2008 to 2010. He was selected for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 but owing to an injury was replaced by Sreesanth.

Test Debut for India

He made his Test debut against West Indies cricket team at Kingston in June 2011. He took a five wicket haul in the first Test match of India tour of England, 2011.

IPL career

Praveen Kumar was initially with the Royal Challengers Bangalore until 2010. He became the 7th bowler in Indian Premier League history to take a hat trick against Rajasthan Royals in M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
In the Indian Premier League he played for Kings XI Punjab from 2011 to 2013. He was unsold in the 2014 IPL auction owing to high base price.
After going unsold in IPL 2014 Auction, Mumbai Indians then him as their replacement for the injured Zaheer Khan. Zaheer, who played six games, was ruled out for the rest of the IPL 2014 season after straining his left latissimus dorsi muscle.
He was picked up by the Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2015 auctions for a fee of 220 lakh Indian rupees.