{"id":84118,"date":"2026-04-10T16:03:45","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T10:33:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newswireindia.in\/index.php\/2026\/04\/10\/game-changers-with-mj-unveils-the-untold-story-of-indias-swing-king-praveen-kumar\/"},"modified":"2026-04-10T16:03:45","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T10:33:45","slug":"game-changers-with-mj-unveils-the-untold-story-of-indias-swing-king-praveen-kumar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newswireindia.in\/index.php\/2026\/04\/10\/game-changers-with-mj-unveils-the-untold-story-of-indias-swing-king-praveen-kumar\/","title":{"rendered":"Game Changers With MJ Unveils The Untold Story Of India\u2019s Swing King, Praveen Kumar"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Former Indian pacer opens up\u00a0<\/em>about struggles, sacrifices, mental health, and life beyond cricket<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0in a candid conversation with host Manoj Jagyasi<\/em><\/p>\n

New Delhi [India], April 10:<\/strong> The latest episode of\u00a0Game Changers with MJ<\/strong><\/em>, hosted by Manoj Jagyasi<\/strong>, features former Indian fast bowler Praveen Kumar<\/strong> in an\u00a0emotionally powerful and deeply personal conversation<\/strong>. The episode\u00a0offers a rare glimpse into the life and journey<\/strong>of<\/strong> one of India\u2019s most gifted yet often underappreciated swing bowlers<\/strong>, tracing his\u00a0remarkable rise<\/strong>\u00a0from the streets of Meerut to representing the nation on the international stage, including\u00a0at iconic venues such as Lord\u2019s<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In this candid interaction, Praveen Kumar reflects on his early struggles, the pressure of fulfilling family expectations, and the\u00a0immense pride<\/strong>\u00a0of representing both his state and the country.\u00a0Praveen Kumar courageously opened up about his darkest period, revealing his struggle with depression and a suicide attempt. With raw honesty, he shared how he fought his way through the pain and emerged stronger.<\/strong>\u00a0Renowned for his exceptional ability to swing the ball both ways, he carved a\u00a0unique identity for himself<\/strong>\u00a0during an era dominated by aggressive batting. Between 2007 and 2012, he\u00a0represented India across all formats<\/strong>, claiming 112 wickets and forming a\u00a0formidable pace attack<\/strong>\u00a0alongside Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

A significant part of the conversation also focuses on the\u00a0off-field challenges that affected his career<\/strong>. Praveen candidly addresses the criticism and misrepresentation he faced, stating that\u00a0several narratives surrounding his personal conduct were misleading<\/strong>. He emphasizes that those who truly know him understand his character and values, and that he\u00a0chose to maintain his dignity despite public scrutiny<\/strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The interview further sheds light on his decision to retire from professional cricket in 2018. Praveen reveals that his decision was driven not by a lack of ability, but by a\u00a0selfless desire to create opportunities for younger players from Uttar Pradesh<\/strong>\u2014<\/strong> a testament to his commitment to the growth of the sport. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Senior Men\u2019s Selection Committee of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association.<\/p>\n

Overall, the episode captures Praveen Kumar\u2019s resilience, honesty, and enduring love for cricket. It stands as a\u00a0heartfelt and inspiring account<\/strong>\u00a0of both the triumphs and trials of a cricketer whose contributions to Indian cricket deserve<\/strong>\u00a0far greater recognition<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The episode featuring Praveen Kumar is available on YouTube.<\/p>\n

Watch The Full Interview<\/strong><\/p>\n

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