Ranji Trophy 2026/27: Rajasthan spinner Kukna reveals Santner lessons in fifer against TN

Kukna Ajay Singh claimed his career-best figures in the first innings against Tamil Nadu. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Rajasthan left-arm spinner Kukna Ajay Singh attributed his five for 51 against Tamil Nadu here on Tuesday to accuracy and pace variations.

“My accuracy was the best thing for me in this performance. The plan was to bowl in one area and not move away from it, whatever the batters might try. I kept varying my pace so that it didn’t get easier for them,” he said.

The 29-year-old added he had worked on his undercut deliveries during the pre-season, while continuing to focus on accuracy through spot-bowling practice.

READ | Tamil Nadu stumbles in Kukna Ajay Singh’s spin web

He revealed that conversations with New Zealand left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner during his net-bowling stint with Mumbai Indians (MI) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 helped him refine his approach.

“We even used to practise together, and I had quite a few conversations with him about bowling. Bowling to Rohit Sharma also gives you a lot to learn,” he said.

Kukna said he was particularly interested in understanding Santner’s pace variations, which he has since tried to incorporate into his own bowling. “I asked him about his methods, especially given his height advantage. I practise those variations and have used them in this match, too. I got Jagadeesan (55) out that way,” he said.