In a freewheeling chat, Shivang Kumar opens up about his IPL experience, striking a balance between bowling and batting and his favourite batters.
EXCERPTS
Q: You play in an IPL team alongside some of the biggest power-hitters. How challenging is it to bowl to them in the nets, and what do you learn from those sessions?
Shivang Kumar:
“Bowling to world-class batters in the IPL nets is never easy. Every batter is of the highest quality, so it’s always a challenge. But that’s what makes it enjoyable. Those sessions push you to improve and help you understand what works against top players.”
Q: What’s your approach to developing your power-hitting? Do you follow a specific process like range-hitting or targeted drills?
Shivang Kumar:
“The IPL has helped me immensely in developing my batting. I regularly interacted with the coaches at Sunrisers Hyderabad, and they guided me a lot. Working with them has helped me improve my shot-making and overall batting approach.”
Q: How do you see yourself as a cricketer — a spin-bowling all-rounder, batting all-rounder, or simply an all-rounder?
Shivang Kumar:
“I see myself as an all-rounder. My goal is to become the first Chinaman bowler who can genuinely contribute with the bat as well.”
Q: Balancing batting and bowling isn’t easy. How do you manage both aspects of your game?
Shivang Kumar:
“It requires a lot of hard work. You have to manage your workload carefully and put in consistent effort in both batting and bowling during practice. It’s challenging, but that’s the only way to grow as an all-rounder.”
Q: Finally, who are your three favourite batters in world cricket?
Shivang Kumar:
“Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar are definitely one of my favourites.”
