Praveen Kumar, chief ticket inspector of Indian Railways and former Bengal under-19 cricketer, is proud of his son Shivang Kumar, who is currently making waves in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Sunrisers Hyderabad. Shivang has taken six wickets in eight matches, showcasing his talent with an outstanding performance of 3/33 against the Punjab Kings. Praveen’s journey in cricket has influenced Shivang’s career as he has been a guiding force since his son’s early days in the sport.
The influence of a father on a son’s career
Praveen Kumar’s dedication to cricket began long before Shivang was born. He recalls a prophetic encounter during a family trip to Vrindavan when a saint predicted that Shivang would fulfill his unfulfilled dreams of becoming a great cricketer. This moment marked the beginning of a journey in which Praveen would take his children to cricket stadiums from a young age, fueling their passion for the sport. Although he never pressured them, he hoped they would accomplish what he couldn’t. Praveen’s own cricketing aspirations were cut short when he took a job with the Railways, but he remained committed to supporting Shivang’s ambitions.
Shivang’s journey in cricket took a significant turn when his father advised him to focus on wrist-spin bowling instead of batting. This decision came after a reality check on the competitive nature of the sport. Praveen encouraged Shivang to develop his skills as a left-arm wrist spinner, which led to him being selected as a star player for Bundelkhand Bulls in the 2026 season. His impressive performances in domestic leagues caught the attention of IPL franchises, which eventually led to his selection by Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The transformation from batsman to bowler
Until recently, Shivang was mainly known as a top-order batsman. His performances in the Madhya Pradesh T20 League had attracted attention, but it was his transition to wrist-spin bowling that really set him apart. Praveen recalls a pivotal moment when he introduced Shivang to Chinese bowling, a technique that would redefine his cricket career. After rigorous practice sessions, Shivang honed his skills and began to excel in this new role. His hard work paid off as he showcased his talent in List A and T20 cricket, putting up notable figures that solidified his reputation as a promising bowler.
Shivang’s journey has not been without its challenges. At the age of 13, he considered quitting cricket after facing setbacks in the selection trials. However, a visit to watch MS Dhoni’s biopic rekindled his passion for the sport. This pivotal moment led to a renewed commitment to cricket and with his father’s unwavering support, Shivang returned to the field with determination. His subsequent performances in various tournaments demonstrated his growth and resilience, which ultimately led to his current success in the IPL.
Balancing responsibilities and dreams
Despite his son’s growing fame, Praveen Kumar remains dedicated to his role in the Indian Railways. He is yet to see Shivang play live in a stadium but is prioritizing his responsibilities as he supports his son’s cricket journey from afar. Praveen’s commitment to his work reflects the sacrifices he has made for his family and he hopes to witness Shivang’s achievements in person when time permits.
While Shivang continues to impress in the IPL, the bond between father and son remains strong. Praveen’s guidance and faith in Shivang’s potential have been instrumental in shaping his cricket career. Shivang Kumar’s story is not just about talent; is a testament to the power of dreams, dedication and unwavering support of a father who has overcome his own challenges in pursuit of his son’s success.
Observer Voice is your one-stop shop for national and international news, sports, editor-picked content, arts/culture, quotes and more. We also cover historical content. Historical contents include world history, Indian history and what happened today. The website also covers entertainment across India and the world.
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn
