(Image Source: AP)
[Saba Sports News] Ex-Indian fast bowler Praveen Kumar recently made headlines with startling revelations about his time in Indian cricket, particularly during the early 2000s. This period was notable for the influx of players from smaller towns and cities into the national team. Kumar, originating from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, is one such example, having left a significant mark in international cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Kumar, who played in six Tests, 68 ODIs, and 10 T20Is, faced a downturn in his career amid rumors of off-field issues, including allegations of drinking problems. In a recent discussion, he opened up about these perceptions, suggesting that alcohol consumption was common among players but kept secret to protect their public images.
“When I was in the Indian team, seniors said ‘don’t drink, don’t do this, don’t do that.’ Everybody does it, but they tarnished me saying I drink,” Kumar stated in a video on The Lallantop YouTube channel.
When asked if senior players like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sourav Ganguly were the ones who advised him, Kumar refrained from naming anyone specifically. He emphasized that those who know him personally are aware of his true character, lamenting that a negative image of him was created in the public eye.