By Admin 
For four years, Sunil Kumar waited — patiently and quietly. The 27-year-old left-arm pacer from Akhnoor, Jammu & Kashmir, was first spotted in 2021 by the team’s head coach, Ajay Sharma, but opportunities in First Class cricket do not come easily.
He trained, travelled, and watched from the sidelines, absorbing every lesson from coaches and seniors, until Monday at the J&K Sports Hostel and Science College ground here, when his perseverance finally paid off.
Sunil ran through the Hyderabad batting line-up to claim his maiden five-wicket haul, a performance that reflected both skill and years of preparation.
In an exclusive chat with the The Hindu, an emotional Sunil expressed his joy.
“Firstly, I’m feeling very happy and a little emotional. It’s my first fifer, something I’ll cherish forever,” he said.
Speaking about his performance, he added, “The plan was simple — stick to the basics, maintain a good line and length. The wicket was helping pacers, so I focused on hitting the right areas. When I got my fourth wicket, I thought the fifer might come.”
He credited Krishna Kumar, the bowling coach, for helping him change his wrist position for both in-swing and out-swing — a small adjustment that made a huge difference.
“He corrected it, and that has made the difference.”
Sunil, also thanked head coach Ajay Sharma, who first spotted him.
“It’s been a great experience working with Ajay sir and the other coaches. I’ve learned something new every day,” he said.