Punjab team mates and brothers Uday (21) and Siddharth Kaul (18) have so far played two Ranji ties together and have already made significant contributions. Last season Uday, in his third season for Punjab, played a vital role to help the team avoid relegation while medium pacer Siddharth snared a five-for against Orissa, on debut.

And on Tuesday, the brothers shone again to help their team inch closer to the 400 run mark. Even though Uday was unlucky to have missed out on a deserving century, he was happy that his season was beginning with a good score.

“I fell short by five runs, but I am not complaining. Rather, I am happy that I have started the season with a good score,” Uday said about his knock.

The Kaul brothers added brisk 42 runs for the ninth wicket with Siddharth finishing off with an unbeaten 34, his highest first class score till now.

“I may be a bowler but I have to contribute with the bat every now and then,” Siddharth added.

Ironically, Uday credits ICL for his consistency. “Before the ICL exodus, I was batting lower down the order. When a lot of senior players left, I got promoted. Batting higher up has made me a better player,” he said.

Siddharth, with only two first class games against his name, already has adjusted mentally for the long haul.

“I have realised that I have to be patient as a bowler. I can't complain about the nature of pitches. If I’m good I should be able to take wickets even on placid tracks,” he said.

... contd.