Mukesh Kumar on Tuesday was called back to the Indian squad for the IND vs ENG 4th Test in Ranchi. Mukesh, who was a part of the playing XI in IND vs ENG 2nd Test, failed to impressed and was subsequently axed from the squad for the third Test. However, BCCI on Sunday recalled Mukesh Kumar ahead of the IND vs ENG 4th Test as Jasprit Bumrah was given rest to manage his workload.
Mukesh was nowhere near his best in the IND vs ENG 2nd Test. In a match where Bumrah got a 9-wicket haul including a 6-fer in the first innings, Mukesh could only manage a wicket in the entire match.
His average bowling performance saw him being axed from the squad in the IND vs ENG 3rd Test. However, Mukesh returned to play Ranji Trophy for Bengal and put in a solid performance. Mukesh got a 6-fer in the match against Bihar at Eden Gardens, which paved his way for a comeback into the Indian team in Bumrah’s absence.
Mukesh will now need to put in a solid performance in the absence of Bumrah in order for him to be in the reckoning for a selection in squad in the IND vs ENG 5th Test match.
