P Krishna Kumar: Minting Bowling Riches For J&K

P Krishna Kumar smiles gently while recollecting his early days as Jammu and Kashmir's bowling coach.

- Press Trust of India

“Personally, it was not a challenge for me, but my family was a little bit worried.”

But on a sun-baked Hubballi afternoon, his family back home too will be smiling after Krishna Kumar, a former Rajasthan Ranji player with roots in Palakkad, Kerala, played a silent yet significant role in Jammu and Kashmir's maiden Ranji Trophy title victory.

“It's a terrific feeling. I think there is no better feeling than this. Actually, this is my third year with Jammu and Kashmir. First year, when I saw the boys, I straightaway felt that these boys have the talent to win the Ranji Trophy and we have done it and it’s a great moment,” Krishna Kumar told PTI.

“I have waited 35 years for this trophy. 15 years of my playing career and 20 years of my coaching career, I am very, very happy. It’s a very emotional moment for me,” he added.

For that moment, Krishna Kumar is indebted to his wards, the J&K bowlers led by the irrepressible Auqib Nabi, who took 60 wickets in 10 matches this season.

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