Praveen Kumar

Praveen Kumar is a former Indian cricketer renowned for his exceptional ability to swing the ball both ways with limited pace. His knack for controlling line and length made him a formidable force in domestic and international cricket. Praveen first came to prominence in the domestic circuit during the 2005-06 Ranji Trophy season, where he played a crucial role in Uttar Pradesh's championship win. With 41 wickets and 386 runs, including four five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket haul, he quickly became a key player for his team. His consistent performances, amassing 90 wickets in his first two first-class seasons, earned him a spot in the national side.

In 2007, Praveen made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Pakistan. His breakthrough came during the 2007-08 Commonwealth Bank Series in Australia, where his match-winning spell against Australia in the finals marked him as a standout bowler. 

Praveen's ability to swing the ball and maintain remarkable economy rates made him India's premier opening bowler in ODIs from 2008 to 2010. Despite being selected for the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, an injury prevented him from participating, leading to his replacement by Sreesanth.

Praveen's Test debut came against the West Indies in June 2011, and he soon made his mark with a five-wicket haul in his first Test match during India's tour of England. 

In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Praveen became the sixth bowler in IPL history to take a hat trick and was known for hitting one of the joint-biggest sixes in IPL history.