The dust has settled on India’s triumphant T20I series win against Zimbabwe, but one name that gained as one of the biggest positive was none other than Mukesh Kumar. While Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh are irreplaceable in the shortest format after their historic performances at the T20 World Cup 2024, the question of who will be their partner in crime for the next major T20 tournament remains. Enter Mukesh Kumar, whose performances suggest he might be the missing piece India needs.
Mukesh Kumar: A complete package
Mukesh Kumar’s impact transcends mere wicket-taking figures. Though he wasn’t the series’ leading wicket-taker with 8 scalps, his career-best figures of 4/22 in the final T20I highlight his knack to dismantle batting line-ups early on. This is a impregnable skill in the T20 format, where a strong start can set the tone for the entire match.
But Mukesh doesn’t shy away from the pressure of bowling at the death as well. He possesses the ability to consistently hit the yorker, a weapon that not every pacer can use to a full effect. His control and accuracy during these high-pressure situations make him an underrated asset.
Why Team India need Mukesh?
The beauty of Mukesh Kumar’s bowling lies in his ability to adapt. While the next major T20 tournament might see pitches varying in pace and bounce in India and Sri Lanka, Mukesh, with his ability to swing the new ball and find the yorker at the death, can be effective on any surface. This versatility makes him a more well-rounded option compared to other contenders for the third seamer’s spot.
We even saw this in Harare. When the pitch offered help early on, the Bengal-born pacer thrived. However, when the surface acted hard, Mukesh steamed in those hard lengths as well. He even uses cutters to deceive batters now and then.
To be fair, India have the luxury of pace-bowling options. While Bumrah is untouchable with his magic, Mukesh, along with Avesh, Siraj, and even Natarajan, Harshit Rana, Tushar Deshpande, and Khaleel Ahmed, are all in the race. But with his recent performances against Zimbabwe, Mukesh has made a strong case for himself. His ability to take early wickets, control the death overs, and adapt to different conditions makes him a compelling choice to partner Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh in India’s quest for future T20 glory.
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