Whenever I’ve felt low, anxious, or frustrated about not getting chances, MS Dhoni has guided me with right advice: Siddarth Kaul [Exclusive]

Siddarth Kaul was a part of the Indian team which won the Under-19 World Cup in 2008 under Virat Kohli's leadership. The right-arm pacer played three ODIs and as many T20Is, picking up four wickets. Kaul has also been a part of several Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises - Delhi Capitals (DC), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

During an exclusive chat with CricTracker, Kaul revealed how his tenure with RCB ended in 2023. He also explained

the legendary MS Dhoni's influence on his career. The 35-year-old also spoke at length about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's future in international cricket and his views about the workload management in modern-day cricket, where players are getting to pick and choose the games they want to play. Kaul also mentioned that he would love to play in overseas T20 leagues.

You were with RCB in IPL 2022 and 2023, but played only one game in both seasons combined. What was the message from the management after being released from the side?

There was no message. They just said that we are releasing. I said, thank you so much.

Have you received any piece of advice from MS Dhoni in your career? If yes, what is that?

Many times, actually—it’s not just once. Every conversation with him is cherished because he has a great mindset and focuses on small details that can help you improve. I feel that if you improve even one skill or one technique in your batting or bowling every day, you’re always a step ahead of others.
He always points out simple, precise things. Whenever I’ve felt low, anxious, or frustrated about not getting opportunities, he has guided me with the right advice. It helps me focus less on the negatives and more on what I can do to improve.

Are you aiming to play any overseas T20 leagues?

I love to play, but it always depends on how I get picked. It’s not up to me to decide; it’s their decision whether they want me in the team. But honestly, I truly love playing.

Your take on Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma’s ODI future?

They are some of the greatest players produced by Team India in ODIs, after Yuvi bhai, Suresh bhai, and Shikhar bhai. Most of them have been outstanding. I don’t think we need to talk too much about great players - they speak for themselves, and their bat always tells the story of what they’ve achieved.

Your views on the workload debate and players picking and choosing games?

I think it’s important to understand what you need to do as a player and take responsibility for it. It’s not about expecting someone else to manage your workload. Whether you’re bowling, batting, or fielding, you need to understand your body, how it works, and how to improve to perform at the highest level.

If you’re playing internationally or domestically, it’s up to you to communicate with your trainer, physio, or coach - telling them how you feel and what you need, especially if you have matches coming up in two or three months. You need to plan and prepare accordingly.

For me, my season runs from September to the end of May. In between, I make sure to train well, stay strong, and bowl enough so that I don’t break down during the season. I’ve been lucky to have the guidance of my trainers and physios like Sagar Deewan, Gaurav sir, Ravi sir, and of course my father, who helped me understand my bowling and body requirements.
So, I feel workload management should start with yourself. If you are mentally and physically strong, you will reach your goals. But if you are weak in either aspect, it’s difficult to achieve what you want.

Recently, you are honoured by Bhagwat Man in PCA for your achievement. Can you share something about this?

I think the amount of cricket I’ve played and the work I’ve done for the Punjab Cricket Association was recognized when they honored me. My secretary, Siddhant Sharma, and President, Mr. Mehta ji, personally called me and asked if I could come so they could felicitate me. It was a great honor.

My parents, my wife, my kids, my brother’s wife, and his kids were all there. It was a truly cherished moment in my life. Over my domestic career, I took around 670 wickets across formats, becoming the highest wicket-taker in T20s, one-dayers, and for Punjab in the Ranji Trophy. With God’s grace, all my efforts were acknowledged, and being honored like this made me reflect on those playing days.
It was a “wow” moment - not just for me, but for my entire family, and something we will always remember.

You have been mentoring the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Cup to 2025. How is your experience?

It’s been a great experience learning the different aspects of the game now that I’m not playing. Being behind the scenes, I get to understand how the players are thinking, how they plan to improve, and how to guide them effectively. I focus on advising them on what they should do rather than what they shouldn’t, and in the process, I’ve learned a lot myself. It’s been a truly valuable and rewarding experience.

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The Pathankot-born also took part in a fun "This or That" contest, where he made some interesting choices.

This or That (Quick Choices)

• Yorker or bouncer? Yorker
• IPL or International cricket? - International cricket
• Playing under Dhoni or Virat? - Virat, he is my first captain in U19
• Swing or seam? - Swing
• Bowling in powerplay or death overs? - Death overs
• Wicket at Eden Gardens or Wankhede? - Wankhede
• Jasprit Bumrah’s yorker or Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s swing? - Bhuvi’s swing
• Bowling to Rohit Sharma in nets or Virat Kohli in nets? - Rohit bhaiyya
• IPL wicket or India debut wicket? - Indian debut wicket