Mukesh Kumar. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Debutant Mukesh Kumar has made an impressive start to his Test career, earning praise for his performance in the rain-interrupted second Test against West Indies on Saturday at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad.
The right-arm pacer claimed his maiden Test wicket by dismissing the debutant Kirk McKenzie for 32. Despite West Indies showing resilience with the bat, ending the day at 229/5 and still trailing by 209 runs, Mukesh’s performance was a standout moment in the last Test match of the series.
While the experienced spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja took on most of the bowling duties, Mukesh showed his potential through 14 overs, proving he has a promising future in red-ball cricket. He not only took the crucial wicket of McKenzie but was also handed the responsibility of partnering with Mohammed Siraj for the second new ball later in the day.
With the new ball, Mukesh displayed an impressive swing, which caught the attention of India’s bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey. He commended the 29-year-old for his dedication and effort.
“I think he bowled very well…it was real quality stuff, given the conditions the way he has gone about putting everything behind the ball that is very heartening to see and that is what is expected from him and from the team management this is what we wanted. Just to give his best and this is what he has done,” Mhambrey was quoted by ICC Cricket.
Mhambrey hopeful, eyes India’s series triumph
Despite the Trinidad pitch offering limited assistance, Mhambrey remains optimistic about India’s chances of securing a series victory. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming first session of play on Sunday and how the team’s bowlers, including Mukesh, can make a significant impact by hitting the right areas and testing West Indian batters.
Mhambrey’s observations have given hope to Indian team, and he believes that picking up a couple of early wickets could tilt the game in India’s favor. He emphasized the need for the bowlers to be patient and persistent, aiming to force West Indian batters into making mistakes.
As the match heads into its decisive moments, all eyes will be on Mukesh Kumar and his fellow bowlers, hoping they can maintain their form and play a crucial role in securing a memorable series victory for India.