Mukesh Kumar recent success in the Cape Town Test, where his fiery spells played a crucial role in India’s victory, brought joy not just to fans but also to his former coach, Arun Lal.
Having witnessed Mukesh’s journey from aspiring net bowler to international star, Lal’s delight is a testament to the young seamer’s dedication and talent.
“I was ecstatic watching him bowl those fine spells,” Lal exclaimed to The Hindu, his voice radiating pride. “He’s a team man, never complains, and seeing him succeed fills me with immense joy.”
Lal’s association with Mukesh Kumar goes back to his coaching days with the Bengal cricket team. Even then, Mukesh’s potential was evident. “He came up the hard way,” said Lal, the legendary opener himself. “He’d stand behind the nets in Kolkata, eager for a chance, and his journey from there to wearing the India whites is truly remarkable.”
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But for Lal, Mukesh’s talent deserved recognition sooner. “He was this good even in 2020,” he asserted. “He’s a captain and coach’s delight – someone who can break partnerships with a single unplayable delivery. Consistency is his hallmark, and any domestic team would be lucky to have him.”
Lal’s praise extends beyond Mukesh Kumar. He expresses happiness for another Bengal seamer, Mohammed Shami, stating that he “should have been played from the beginning” in the World Cup.
However, amidst his joy, Arun Lal also raises a concern about domestic cricket. He believes India-A matches, often overlapping with the Ranji Trophy, hinder player development. “Let the India-A matches be scheduled after the Ranji season,” he suggests, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the premier domestic tournament.
Arun Lal’s perspective, shaped by his experience as a player and coach, offers a glimpse into the dedication and talent required to succeed in international cricket. Mukesh Kumar story embodies this, and Lal’s voice rings true – a coach’s pride in his pupil, intertwined with a desire for a stronger domestic circuit to nurture more such gems.
