Ranji Trophy: Kukna credits accuracy and pace variations after five for 51

Kukna Ajay Singh took a five for 51 for Rajasthan against Tamil Nadu in Jaipur on Tuesday in the Ranji Trophy, and he said accuracy and changing pace were central to the performance.

"My accuracy was the best thing for me in this performance," Kukna, the Rajasthan left-arm spinner, said. "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." The 29-year-old added that his approach was built around spot-bowling practice.

He said he had worked on his undercut deliveries during the pre-season while continuing to focus on accuracy through spot-bowling practice.

Kukna credited conversations with New Zealand left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner during his net-bowling stint with Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026 for helping refine his methods. "We even used to train together, and I had quite a few conversations with him. You also learn a lot when bowling to Rohit Sharma," he said.

Kukna said he sought Santner's advice on technique. "I asked Santner about his methods, especially given his height advantage. I worked on my variations and used them in this match. I got N. Jagadeesan out that way," he said.

The piece was published on October 13, 2026 11:44 pm IST.