Punjab Kings’ newest addition to their squad, Kuldeep Sen, is excited for the 2025 IPL season. The fast bowler, who joined the franchise through the recent auction, is looking forward to the challenges ahead. As he gears up for the upcoming season, Kuldeep is eager to make it a memorable one—not only for himself but for the team as well.
A Childhood Passion Turned Secret Dream
Kuldeep’s passion for cricket began at the age of 15, but it wasn’t always easy. Coming from a middle-class family where no one had a cricketing background, Kuldeep’s journey was anything but straightforward. His father, in particular, was not fond of the sport. This led Kuldeep to keep his love for cricket a secret from most of his family, with only his mother knowing about his budding interest.
“No one in my family knew much about cricket. Since I come from a very middle-class family, they didn’t know much about playing cricket, where one should train, etc. Everybody liked watching cricket, but my father didn’t like it at all. He started watching cricket only after I started playing; otherwise, he wouldn’t be a fan,” Kuldeep recalled.
Financial Struggles and Breakthrough in Domestic Cricket
Early on, Kuldeep faced financial constraints, which made it even more challenging to pursue his dream. However, his hard work eventually paid off when he was selected for the Madhya Pradesh team in 2019. This milestone not only gained his father’s support but also helped Kuldeep overcome some of the financial barriers he had been facing.
A Dream Realized: India Call-Up and International Debut
Kuldeep’s career took a significant leap when he was called up to the Indian national team in 2022. Recalling the moment he learned about his selection, Kuldeep shared his excitement.
“I was in NCA when my call for India came. I didn’t know that I was going to be selected. My friend at Rajasthan Royals called me and told me I was selected. I was sleeping at that time and was unaware of my call-up. I couldn’t sleep the night before my match against Bangladesh was scheduled. Playing for the country is still the best thing that has happened to me, and I will never forget it,” said Kuldeep.
A Special Connection with Punjab Kings
Kuldeep’s story with Punjab Kings dates back to 2018 when he first tried out for the franchise. Despite not being picked up at the time, he felt a strong connection with the team. This year, as he prepares to represent Punjab Kings in the IPL, Kuldeep is excited to join a franchise he has always had a gut feeling about.
“I was training in Bangalore and was sitting with my friends. I had this gut feeling, even before the auction started, that I would be acquired by Punjab Kings. I gave my first IPL trial for Punjab Kings only in 2018. So, it was an inside feeling that this year, I would be selected by Punjab. I was excited that I am going to a great team and will have a new experience with the new team,” Kuldeep said.
Reuniting with Yuzvendra Chahal: A Fun and Learning Experience
Kuldeep’s IPL journey will also see him reunite with Rajasthan Royals teammate Yuzvendra Chahal. Having spent three years together at RR, Kuldeep is looking forward to learning from Chahal’s experience and humor.
“I have been with Yuzi bhai for three years. He is a fun and humorous person and makes everybody laugh on the ground and in the hotel. He is a very pure-hearted person. You can talk to him any time, and you get to learn a lot of things. But whenever one meets him, he will try to irritate you for fun,” Kuldeep shared.
