{"id":7303,"date":"2026-05-04T02:52:10","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T02:52:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1win.za.com\/ipl\/from-swashbuckler-to-chinaman-shivang-kumars-fathers-fast-cricket-fix"},"modified":"2026-05-04T02:52:10","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T02:52:10","slug":"from-swashbuckler-to-chinaman-shivang-kumars-fathers-fast-cricket-fix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/1win.za.com\/ipl\/from-swashbuckler-to-chinaman-shivang-kumars-fathers-fast-cricket-fix","title":{"rendered":"From Swashbuckler to Chinaman: Shivang Kumar\u2019s father\u2019s fast cricket fix"},"content":{"rendered":"

Praveen Kumar, Chief Inspector of Ticketing (CIT) in Indian Railways, was talking mid-routine as he prepared to catch the Shramjeevi Express to Patna. \u201cMy train leaves in about an hour from Platform 8. I can spare you ten minutes,\u201d he said, speaking while juggling work and family commitments. Kumar\u2019s story quickly turns from the railway timetable to cricket dreams\u2014because the person he is racing to support is his son, Shivang Kumar, who is currently representing Sunrisers Hyderabad in the ongoing IPL.<\/p>\n

Railway duty and a cricketing legacy<\/h2>\n

Praveen has spent 34 years with Indian Railways and has also played cricket at a high level earlier in life, including representing Bengal at the Under-19 level. Over the years, his career has intertwined with his son\u2019s growth as a cricketer, with the elder Kumar taking on a father-coach role while still managing his professional responsibilities.<\/p>\n

Shivang is already making an impact in the IPL, having taken six wickets from eight matches. His best performance so far is 3\/33 against Punjab Kings on April 11.<\/p>\n

A prophecy from Vrindavan and the father\u2019s resolve<\/h2>\n

Praveen traces the beginning of his faith to a family trip to Vrindavan. He recalls an incident from when Shivang was around eight years old, when a saint made a prediction. \u201cA man told me that the boy would make me proud and that he would fulfill the dreams I couldn\u2019t. I initially thought the saint wanted money\u2014so I tried to offer Rs 50. But he refused and said the child would raise my name,\u201d Praveen remembered.<\/p>\n

That promise, Praveen says, has come true. He also describes how he has been actively involved in Shivang\u2019s cricketing routine. \u201cI\u2019ve been taking him to the stadium since he was five. I used to take both my sons, Shivang and Devang. I never forced them, but I always prayed that the cricketing gods would let me live my dream through my children. It\u2019s all part of God\u2019s plan,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

From Ranji hopes to the Railways\u2014then back to cricket<\/h2>\n

Praveen vividly remembers his own turning point after his Bengal Under-19 stint. When his name surfaced among the Ranji Trophy probables, he came back to Moradabad to ask for his parents\u2019 blessings\u2014yet destiny had a different path lined up. He was offered a job in the Railways through the sports quota, and his mother responded firmly when he considered continuing cricket. \u201cShe told me I was being ungrateful, like I was striking a heavy plate with my foot,\u201d he said, adding that he accepted the railway role and stepped away from the sport.<\/p>\n

However, the story changed again recently. \u201cTwo months ago, when Shivang was offered a job with the Railways, he took a stand. I told him to forget the job and focus on cricket\u2014because I wanted him to commit fully to the game,\u201d Praveen said.<\/p>\n

The \u201caccidental\u201d spinner moment<\/h3>\n

About a year earlier, Praveen had an honest conversation with Shivang as a batter. He told him that selection as a batter would be difficult in Madhya Pradesh, let alone reaching the IPL or Team India. The reality check shook Shivang, but he trusted the plan his father was mapping out.<\/p>\n

Until the previous year, Shivang had been a top-order batter. His performances for Bhopal Leopards in the Madhya Pradesh T20 League put him in the spotlight. Yet his left-arm wrist-spin began to add a different dimension to his profile, eventually leading to him being named a marquee player for Bundelkhand Bulls for Rs 13 lakh in the 2026 season.<\/p>\n