Shaken to the core by a BCCI suspension for unruly behaviour during the Corporate Trophy, Indian pacer Praveen Kumar is remorseful and has vowed not to repeat the incident in future.
"It was wrong on my part. The episode should not have happened. I regret it now," Praveen said while recalling the incident.
"I have learnt how to control my anger. I need to be cautious while expressing my emotions on the field. It happens sometimes when things do not go your way. I have moved on from that incident as it's history for me now. It won't happen again.
"I have with me 4-5 Uttar Pradesh teammates who always advice me on what is right or wrong for me. Sudeep Tyagi, Tanmay Shrivastava and Suresh Raina create a homely environment for me and their advice has always helped me a lot," added the 26-year-old, who would be seen in action for Kings XI Punjab during the upcoming IPL.
Praveen had bowled a short-pitched delivery at Income Tax's Ajitesh Argal and when the batsman checked with the umpire to know whether it was a no ball, the Meerut lad started abusing him.
Following the match referee's report, Praveen was indefinitely suspended by the BCCI on February 10 and was issued a show-cause notice by the Board's secretary, Sanjay Jagdale.
Later, the BCCI revoked the suspension after Praveen accepted all the charges and apologised for his inappropriate conduct. The BCCI let him off after severely reprimanding him.
Praveen said the good showing in the Deodhar Trophy and ongoing Central Zone Syed Mushtaq Ali Twenty20 Trophy, will help him perform well in the upcoming IPL season-6.
"This (Mushtaq Ali) tournament will definitely help me a lot in the IPL. I am performing well in the tournament and this will hold me in good stead in the IPL," he said.
Talking about his team's chances in the IPL, he said, "We played well last year as a team. We came close to securing a semifinal berth on a number of occasions in the previous editions also but things did not work in our favour. We will look to secure the semi-final berth this time."
Injuries wrecked havoc on his career and Praveen's perseverance wavered several times but he always made a strong comeback.
This time also, he is hoping for the same. "Injury is part and parcel of our life. I am fit and performing well for my team. My job is to keep on performing and try to make a comeback into the Indian side. Rest is up to God."
Praveen said he missed not being part of the Indian Test squad for the ongoing Australia series which the hosts are leading.
"This is the best performance by the Indian team and I want them to win 4-0. I miss my place in the team. I too wanted to be there performing against the Australians," he said.
Photograph: Duif du Toit/Gallo Images/Getty Images
