The arduous journey of becoming an international cricketer is wrought with challenges, none more daunting than the relentless schedule and the persistent threat of injury. The silver lining, however, is the chance it gives to young talents to step into the limelight. Amongst the up-and-coming stars within the Indian cricket fraternity is Mukesh Kumar, a pace bowler whose talent has been recognized on the international stage.
Mukesh’s entry into the Indian team came at a time when squad rotation was essential. His initiation across all formats happened swiftly, on the tour of the West Indies in July-August, signaling the start of a promising career. His commendable first season with the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League set the tone for his blossoming trajectory. With limited outings at the national level, he has consistently demonstrated his mettle.
Kumar’s prowess was underlined in a recent match against Australia in the first T20I at Vizag. Amidst a game that saw the bowlers under siege, Mukesh stood out for his economic spell, claiming the title of the most economical bowler for the Indian side. His performance planted seeds of hope for contention in the T20 World Cup, even with the imminent return of pace heavyweights like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
Veteran spinner R Ashwin has not been shy in expressing his adulation for the young pacer. In a glowing comparison, he has linked Kumar to Mohammed Shami, affectionately known as ‘Lala’ within the team. On his YouTube channel, Ashwin remarked, “I initially thought Mohammad Siraj would become the junior Shami, but I now feel it could be Mukesh Kumar.”
Ashwin’s comparison is not without merit. He outlined that Mukesh shares a similar build and stature to Shami and possesses an “outstanding wrist position,” a trait that is evidently key in fast bowling. The way Mukesh Kumar employs a whipping action of the wrist, resulting in admirable back-spin on the ball, is reminiscent of the skills that have made Mohammed Shami a formidable figure in international cricket.
It was his orientation in the West Indies that truly marked Mukesh’s arrival, followed by a laudable performance in a practice game in Barbados. Ashwin lauded the bowler’s “very nice straight and nice alignment,” reiterating the young fast bowler’s impressive form.
However, Mukesh Kumar’s story is not solely limited to his on-field exploits. His journey has a hint of serendipity, spotted at the Cricket Association of Bengal by none other than Waqar Younis, who foresaw a bright future for Mukesh in the national colors. Ashwin highlighted the pacer’s well-mannered demeanor and the potential he has shown in his early days with the Indian team.
As followers of the game eagerly await India’s next encounter with Australia in the T20I series, push notifications buzz with updates. The cricket community also contemplates the BCCI’s search for a new head coach to succeed Rahul Dravid.
Mukesh Kumar has had a beginning that is as impressive as it is noteworthy. His current trajectory suggests that he is not just a fleeting name among debutants but a mainstay in the making, someone who could shoulder India’s fast-bowling aspirations in the years to come. This sentiment, echoed by R Ashwin, shines a light on a talent who, if continues to grow and perform, might just step into the weighty boots of predecessors and forge his own identity as ‘Junior Lala.’