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Former India cricketer Praveen Kumar hogged the limelight after he made some bold claims in his recent interview. The former India fast bowler during his interaction revealed that Pakistan players are not true, terming them “Jhoote”.
Recalling his instances of on-field abuses, Praveen Kumar while speaking of Pakistan players, termed them “jhoote”. On being asked what kind of lairs they are, Kumar clarified that the players from their neighbouring nation try to "show off" a lot. “Theek hai, but jhoote hai. Samne kuch aur hai and peeth peeche kuch aur hai,” he said on the show.
The former Indian pacer also made some other audacious claims regarding ball tampering, specifically emphaizing on Pakistani bowlers. On being asked about ball tampering being in operation to generate revere swing, he responded, “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 to someone, one must have the skills to revere-swing it. One has to learn that,” he further added.
There was someone who spread negativity around my name: Praveen Kumar
In the conversation with Lallantop, the 37-year-old further revealed that a senior player had spread negativity around his name, however, refusing to name the person on camera. “When I joined the Indian team, a few senior players asked me to stop drinking and avoid a few other things. However, everyone consumed alcohol but still maligned my name,” he said during the interaction.
“While many senior players treated us youngsters very well, there was someone who spread the negativity around my name. I don’t want to name that person on camera, but everybody knows who ruined my image,” he further added.
Praveen Kumar made his debut for Team India in an ODI match against Pakistan in November 2007. He was a regular in the Indian colours until he fell out of favour in 2012 due to his inconsistency and drinking habits.
