Chandigarh cricketer Uday to play for Mizoram

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 9

After spending 16 years with Punjab and three years with Chandigarh, seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman Uday Kaul has decided to move to Mizoram to play the dual role of a player and mentor for the North-East side.

The 34-year-old will not only feature in the Mizo squad, but will also act as a mentor to the team for the upcoming domestic season.

Kaul, who had an illustrious career at the Punjab Cricket Association, had joined the Union Territory Cricket Association (UTCA) in 2019.

“I think it is the right time to let the city youngsters come forward and play. Also, I have been asked to play a dual role, as a player and a mentor, for the Mizoram squad. Considering my future, I believe this is the best opportunity for me,” said Uday, the elder brother of speedster Siddarth Kaul.

Uday has represented India Blues, India A, India U-17, India U-19 (Young Cricketers), India U-19, Kings XI Punjab, and North Zone at various stages of his career, besides playing for Punjab at U-14 and U-16 levels.

For the last three years, he has been part of the UTCA senior squad. In his last outing for Chandigarh, Uday had scored 148 runs against Manipur at Kolkata in a Ranji Trophy Plate Group tie.

“I have no regrets. I have sailed through even the worst of times with ease. I always believe that moving on with a positive thinking helps a person grow. Belonging to a cricketers’ family, I have been raised under a very motivational environment,” said Uday.

“Everyone (UTCA officials) is happy with my decision to shift to another state. And this will surely help me gain the experience of a lifetime,” he added.

The wicketkeeper-batsman has played 102 First-Class and 69 List A matches and has 24 centuries to his credit.

Recently, Uday attended the BCCI’s Level-2 coaching programme.

“This is just an addition to my career. I cleared the Yo-Yo test for three years and managed to perform equally well. Clearing the Level-2 was a step to keep open my future options,” said Uday.