Former Indian fast bowler Praveen Kumar has stirred up controversy with his recent comments about the art of reverse swing in cricket. In a candid interview, Kumar revealed that while all teams used various methods to tamper with the ball for reverse swing, Pakistani bowlers were known to do it more than others. Kumar’s shocking claim has gone viral, sparking discussions about the use of reverse swing and its impact on the game.
Reverse swing, a technique where the ball deviates in the air towards the shiny side, has been a potent weapon for fast bowlers, especially on dry and abrasive pitches. Pakistan is credited with introducing this art to international cricket, with players like Sarfaraz Nawaz, Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis mastering its nuances.
Kumar’s remarks shed light on the widespread practice of ball tampering in cricket, a controversial issue that has plagued the sport for years. While tampering with the ball is against the rules, players have often resorted to subtle methods to alter its condition, aiming to achieve greater swing or seam movement.
In his interview with Lallantop, Kumar stated, “Everyone does a little bit; they (Pakistan bowlers) do it a bit more. That’s what I’ve heard. Now, there are cameras everywhere. Earlier, all used to do it. And everyone knows as well. They would scratch it from one side, but one must know how to use that skill, too. If I scratch the ball and give it to someone, one must have the skills to reverse-swing it. One has to learn that.”
Kumar’s comments have sparked a debate within the cricketing community, with many questioning the ethics of ball tampering and its impact on the game’s integrity. While reverse swing remains a legitimate skill in cricket, the revelation that teams may have tampered with the ball to achieve it raises concerns about fair play and sportsmanship.
The 37-year-old Kumar, known for his swing and seam movement, had a successful international career, representing India in six Tests, 68 ODIs, and ten T20Is. He made his mark during the 2008 Commonwealth Bank Tri-series against Australia and Sri Lanka, where he played a pivotal role in India’s historic win. Kumar also has 27 Test wickets to his name, with his best figures of 5/106 coming against England at Lord’s.
While Kumar’s claim has sparked controversy, it also serves as a reminder of the complexities of cricket and the ongoing efforts to uphold the spirit of the game amidst evolving tactics and techniques.
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