That right arm medium pacer Mukesh Kumar has been knocking on the doors of national selection for a while is no secret. The 29 year old who has been delivering consistent performances for Bengal in domestic cricket also finished as the highest wicket taker in the last edition of the Irani Cup, with 9 wickets.
Mukesh in fact received his maiden India call-up for the 3 match ODI series vs South Africa at home in October last year, but didn't play.
Now he has received his maiden India call-up for the Test squad and has also been included in the ODI squad for the tour of the Caribbean.
India are scheduled to play 2 Tests vs the West Indies in the Caribbean, starting July 12 and with Mohammed Shami rested, Mukesh could well be partnering Mohammed Siraj with the new ball.
Mukesh, who travelled with the India senior team for the maiden WTC Final vs England as a net bowler can bowl long spells without getting tired. And a lot of that is down to the fact that he loves to train outdoors.
He moved from Gopalganj in Bihar to Kolkata in 2012. He was unaware about most cricketing nuances, but when he got the chance to play for Bengal he grabbed it with both hands, making his First Class and List A debuts in 2015.
But what makes Mukesh Kumar a potent weapon to be tried out at the international level?
TimesofIndia.com here takes a look at what the 29 year old brings to the table and his overall domestic numbers so far:
Strengths:
1. Good control over line and length
2. Almost 8 years of First Class experience
3. Bowls a probing off-stump line
4. Capable of bowling long spells
5. Has international experience having played for India A vs New Zealand A
Mukesh Kumar in Numbers (Bowling):
First Class:
List A:
T20s:
