New Delhi, Feb 23 (NationPress) On February 17 in Kalyani, many believed that Bengal was on the verge of reaching the Ranji Trophy final after seizing a narrow lead over Jammu & Kashmir. A significant second innings score could have secured their spot in the championship match against Karnataka.

However, cricket often proves to be unpredictable, delivering unexpected twists. This was precisely the scenario when Bengal collapsed for just 99 runs, setting J&K a target of 126 runs, which they successfully chased down to secure their place in the final showdown scheduled to commence in Hubbali on Tuesday.

In addition to Auqib Nabi's impressive four-wicket haul, his new ball partner, Sunil Kumar, also took four wickets, propelling J&K into their inaugural Ranji Trophy final. Now, facing a formidable Karnataka lineup featuring stars like KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Karun Nair, and Mayank Agarwal, the left-arm bowler Sunil Kumar is poised for the most significant match of his career following his breakout performance in Kalyani.

"Bowling alongside Nabi has been a great experience. There’s no pressure on me as he draws all the attention; his bowling seems destined to claim wickets on every delivery. My role is to contain runs from my end while he takes care of the wickets," Sunil shared in an exclusive interview with IANS from Hubbali.

Reflecting on the strategy for the Karnataka match, Sunil believes it will mirror the successful tactics used throughout the season, which unexpectedly dismantled Bengal in just two sessions.

"Our objective was straightforward – to dismiss them quickly. We anticipated they would last at least three or four sessions, giving us ample time to chase whatever target they set. But when we took quick wickets, it shifted our mentality to thinking the chase could be easily achievable. Our bowling strategy remained consistent; we aimed to maintain our line and length to induce mistakes," he recounted.

Originating from Kathar, a picturesque village located 35 kilometers from the Akhnoor district in Jammu, Sunil is the son of an Army officer. He initially played cricket with a cosco ball and quickly outperformed his peers, who recognized his potential for a professional career in the sport.

"I have always admired swing bowlers. When I began following cricket, I took note of India's left-arm pacers like Zaheer Khan and Irfan Pathan. I was particularly inspired by Irfan Pathan's action and tried to emulate it. This imitation naturally shaped my style. I also appreciated the bowling techniques of Dale Steyn and James Anderson," Sunil explained.

During Pathan's tenure as a player-mentor for J&K from 2018 to 2020, Sunil had a chance to meet him. "I attended a trial where he asked my age and praised my bowling, telling me I had plenty of time to develop my game," he recalled.

His journey into leather-ball cricket began with an inter-college tournament, which led to trials and eventually caught the attention of J&K head coach Ajay Sharma during a talent hunt in 2021-22. "Before entering college, I played with a cosco ball. The first time I encountered leather-ball cricket was in an inter-college tournament, marking the start of my journey in the sport," Sunil narrated. "I eventually learned about trials and participated, discovering my capabilities for professional play."

"Fortunately, I performed well during the talent hunt, leading to an invitation for a T20 camp where Ajay sir first saw me. Initially playing in the C or D team, I eventually made it to the A or B team, where I was given the opportunity to bowl with the new ball. This opportunity has paved the way for my current achievements," he stated.

His daily commute from Kathar to the J&K Sports Hostel and Science College ground for JKCA camps was a testament to his dedication. "I had to ride my scooty 65 to 70 kilometers. If the camp began at 10 AM, I would leave by 8:15 AM to reach by 9:45 to 9:50 AM. After camp, I would head home around 2:30 PM, arriving by 4 or 4:30 PM," he shared.

Sunil credits his family for their unwavering support. "I didn’t pursue cricket solely for a career; my family was aware of my passion. When striving for excellence, it’s not about expecting rewards. You play for the love of the game. I began with this mindset and continue to play with the same passion. They never hindered my aspirations. I excelled in academics, managing to balance studies and cricket, which they accepted," he explained.

Bowling coach P. Krishnakumar, who has guided J&K's pace attack for three seasons, identified Sunil as a promising talent early on. "This is a monumental achievement for him. Coming from a small place like Akhnoor without proper facilities, he has created a practice pitch at home. During off-seasons, he reaches out to me for bowling tips," Krishnakumar said.

"Initially, he was primarily an out-swing bowler without a strong in-swing. I focused on enhancing his in-swing and refining his overall technique. He remains calm under pressure, ready to put in the effort," he continued. "In my first year here, we conducted skill-specific sessions during lunch and tea breaks. His quick learning has contributed significantly to his current performance. A bowler can only succeed if they have multiple options in their arsenal; then they can best the batsman."

Sunil also acknowledged Krishnakumar's influence on his development. "The coaching staff has been incredibly supportive. Krishna Kumar has helped me correct many fundamental flaws in my technique. He emphasizes that maintaining simplicity in plans and fundamentals is crucial for success. His guidance during the off-season has been instrumental in my improvement," he expressed.

In this season alone, Sunil has taken 29 wickets in eight matches at an average of 15.1, which includes two four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls. He recalls getting his first five-wicket haul in Jammu against Hyderabad as a pivotal moment in his debut domestic season. "This season has been rewarding. It’s my first year in domestic cricket, and my performances have been satisfying. Achieving my initial five-wicket haul at my home ground and later another against Himachal Pradesh in Amtar were truly special moments," he stated.

At 28, Sunil exudes the calmness and wisdom of someone who has learned the importance of patience in sports. "To excel in this game, you must continually improve yourself daily, even if the process seems tedious. Even when you think, 'what’s the point?', persistence pays off. One day, your hard work will be recognized by the Almighty," he concluded.