Indian fast bowler Mukesh Kumar on Thursday got a call-up in all three formats for the IND vs SA series (India vs South Africa). The bowler who is originally from the small town of Gopalganj, is one of the three cricketers to be named in all three formats of the tour, the other two being Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shreyas Iyer.
Mukesh Kumar, who made his first-class debut for Bengal in 2015, hasn’t looked back since. Mukesh spent three years preparing for the CRPF and Bihar Police entrance tests. He cleared the written test in 2012, but was turned down for physical fitness reasons.
He had the dream to play cricket professionally, but Bihar’s ineligibility from domestic competitions meant he had to make do with playing Tennis cricket in exchange for money.
The shift in gears for Mukesh Kumar
All that changed in 2013 when he moved to Kolkata to take care of his father’s taxi service. He was first spotted in Bengal’s Vision 2020 program, leading to his inclusion in the domestic scene.
Mukesh has since played 27 List A matches, taking 30 wickets. His record dazzles in first-class cricket too. The 30-year-old has taken 151 wickets in 40 matches so far at a healthy average of just over 21.
He was bought for Rs 5.5 crores at the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction by Delhi Capitals.
His inclusion in the Indian side happened during the series against West Indies. He made his debut in all three formats in the series. Mukesh has already played in seven T20Is and three ODIs for the country, picking up four wickets in both formats. He picked up two wickets in the single Test, he played against West Indies.
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After getting selected in the squad, Mukesh Kumar will be looking to earn his place in the starting XI of all formats soon. If he keeps up his level of performance, we might soon see him with the new ball in national colors regularly.
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