Praveen Kumar didn't use bat to deal with spectators

Praveen Kumar didn't use bat, only his tongue, to deal with abusive spectators

Praveen Kumar didn't use bat, only his tongue, to deal with abusive spectators

Praveen Kumar's name landed up in The Sun newspaper yesterday for his scuffle with a fan during last week's tour game against Northamptonshire.

There was talk that the India swing bowler, who also had a problem with a spectator on India's recent tour of the West Indies, threatened an abusive spectator with a bat. But, there was no evidence of such an act.


Praveen Kumar. Pic/getty images

An eye witness told MiD DAY yesterday that Praveen was not seen with a bat, but tackled the abusive fans in a verbal fashion after the team had boarded the bus.

"First, the fans abused Virat Kohli. When Kohli's fielding position was changed, Praveen took his place and was abused too. Some of the spectators were disgraceful," the eye witness said.

It is learnt that squad members were most upset with the behaviour of the Indian crowd at Northants.

Fans abused players right through the two days and it took a great degree of tolerance level for players not to react. One fan was seen being sternly dealt with by the team's security office on Day One of the game.

Apart from abusive fans, players had to deal with an unreasonable amount of autograph requests. The security officer, who was trying to restore some order, ended up becoming Mr Unpopular with young fans.

However, a source close to the India camp said that the officer was just trying to protect the players.

"There has to be caution. We don't want a stampede situation and some one gets badly injured. Also, a kid in his enthusiasm can injure a player with his pen. Security people have a job to do. Ultimately, he will be held responsible. Also, there was no police force at the ground ufffd only stewards," said the source.

From what one witnessed at Northampton, the Indian fans behaved poorly more so because the Indian team came into the game 0-2 down in the Test series. Also, beer being allowed in the stands didn't help.

All in all, the Indian team members are happy to have left Northampton behind.