Siddarth Kaul SBI: Former Indian cricketer Siddarth Kaul has embarked on a new journey by joining the State Bank of India (SBI), days after announcing his retirement from all forms of cricket in India. The 34-year-old shared the update on Twitter, posting a photo from his new workplace and expressing his excitement for the transition. In his post, he also shared the location of his SBI office which was in sector 17 road in Chandigarh.
Kaul’s decision to retire marked the conclusion of a 17-year-long cricketing career. Known for his right-arm pace, he represented India in three ODIs and three T20Is, making his debut in 2018. One of the highlights of Kaul’s career was his contribution to India’s victorious 2008 U19 World Cup campaign under the captaincy of Virat Kohli. Kaul was a standout performer in the tournament, claiming 10 wickets and emerging as India’s leading pacer.
About Siddarth Kaul
Siddarth Kaul (born 19 May 1990), also spelled Siddharth Kaul, is an Indian professional cricketer. A fast bowler who bowls at about 130 km/h, he made his first-class debut for Punjab in 2007. Kaul was a part of the victorious India Under-19s team at the 2008 Under-19 Cricket World Cup and was named as one of the players to be drafted for the Indian Premier League, where he signed for the Kolkata Knight Riders. His father, Tej Kaul, played across three seasons in the 1970s for Jammu and Kashmir. His brother, Uday Kaul, also played for Punjab, and later for Chandigarh and Mizoram. He was a part of the Indian squad which won the 2018 Asia Cup.
A Stellar Domestic and IPL Career
In domestic cricket, Kaul was a consistent force for Punjab. Over 88 first-class matches, he took 297 wickets, while in 111 List A games, he claimed 199 dismissals. Kaul’s prowess extended to the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he initially played for the Delhi Daredevils in 2013 before achieving significant success with SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) from 2017 to 2021.
His peak IPL seasons came in 2017 and 2018, where he bagged 16 and 21 wickets respectively. The 2018 season, in particular, saw him finish as the joint second-highest wicket-taker, cementing his reputation as a dependable death-over bowler.
However, Kaul’s opportunities waned in recent years. After joining Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2021, his appearances were limited, and he went unsold in subsequent IPL auctions, including the most recent mega auction in Jeddah.
Post-Cricket Transition
Kaul’s move to SBI has been met with admiration from fans and peers alike. Many have praised his humility and resilience in adapting to a new phase of life. In his heartfelt retirement note, Kaul expressed gratitude to his mentors, teammates, IPL franchises, and fans for their unwavering support throughout his cricketing journey.
“I am truly grateful for the love and encouragement I’ve received over the years. Cricket has given me everything, and I am excited for this new chapter with SBI,” Kaul said in his statement.
Legacy of a Dependable Bowler
Though he has stepped away from professional cricket, Siddarth Kaul’s legacy remains intact. As a key pacer for India’s youth teams, a reliable domestic bowler, and a significant contributor in the IPL, Kaul leaves behind a rich cricketing history.
As he begins his corporate career, Kaul continues to inspire with his adaptability and determination, showcasing that there is life beyond the pitch for cricketers willing to embrace change.