Published: Oct 08, 2024, 11:52 AM (IST)
Edited: Oct 08, 2024, 11:52 AM (IST)
During India’s tour of West Indies in 2023, pacer Mukesh Kumar became the second Indian after T Natarajan to make his international debut in all the formats in a single tour. However, he fell down the pecking order after just featuring in 3 matches for the Men in Blue.
However, Mukesh’s brilliant displays in the recently-concluded Duleep Trophy and Irani Cup have helped in making a strong case for him ahead of the 3-match Test series against New Zealand at home and the the Border-Gavaskar series.
In Duleep Trophy, Mukesh picked up a total of 15 wickets the second-highest in the domestic tournament’s 2024/25 season. Then in the Irani Cup last week, he picked up a 5-wicket haul for the Rest of India team.
Though these performances have put Mukesh back in the reckoning for the Indian Test team, the 30-year-old largely remains unfazed with being pipped by fellow domestic teammate Akash Deep in India’s pecking order for fast bowlers.
“I was primarily focusing on this game, how to plan a wicket, how to justify the faith that the captain has shown in me,” Mukesh told Sportstar.
“Selection and all will keep happening. If I have done well and am deserving, I will definitely be selected. There will be many more opportunities to perform in other matches as well,” Mukesh added.
Mukesh believes that Australian conditions will favour the pacers and thus there is a possibility that he may get selected as a backup pacer for the Border-Gavaskar series that is set to commence from November 22.
“Actually, playing for India was the only target that I had set for myself. Once I achieved it, I have realised playing in each of the other countries is going to be a matter of pride,” Mukesh said.
“From what I have heard, wickets are helpful for pacers, with pace and bounce to offer. I have obviously been thinking of bowling there and doing my best should I get an opportunity,” Mukesh added.
