Today is the birthday of UP's Praveen Kumar, one of the finest swing bowlers of all time in Indian cricket. Praveen was born in the Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh Praveen Kumar belongs to a farming family but has always had a lot of interest in cricket. His father was a farmer as well as a constable in the police. Praveen's childhood was spent under financial constraints.

Praveen Kumar was supposed to go for an Under-19 trial but did not have good shoes. The price of the shoes was Rs.3000. It was difficult for the family to raise money. Praveen sold his bicycle for Rs 2000 and the rest of the money from his mother and took part in the trial. Praveen Kumar, who started domestic cricket, surprised everyone by taking nine wickets in the first two matches of the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy in 2007. Thereafter, he was selected for the Indian team. He started his international career against Pakistan in 2007.

The same Praveen Kumar made his Ranji season debut in the year 2005-06. Praveen Kumar did well in his first Ranji season playing for UP. Praveen Kumar spilt his sheen in bowling as well as batting in this Ranji Trophy. While Praveen Kumar took the highest number of 41 wickets in bowling throughout the season, he also scored 386 runs in batting. Praveen Kumar was awarded the Man of the Series award for his outstanding performance.