In a surprising turn of events, the Indian cricket lineup witnessed a significant alteration as fast bowler Mukesh Kumar requested his release from the squad for the third T20 International (T20I) against Australia. His request, routed through the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), was motivated by a heartwarming personal milestone – his impending nuptials.
Standing at the forefront of the Men in Blue, India’s T20I series captain Suryakumar Yadav divulged the rationale behind Mukesh Kumar’s absence at the toss for the third T20I. With a blend of joviality and sincerity, he announced, “Avesh replaces Mukesh, who is playing his biggest game, he’s getting married and we wish him all the best. We are happy to bat first, not surprised with the dew coming along early. We just want to do the same thing, have the game plans, and express ourselves.”
Deepak Chahar, another talented pacer, now steps into the squad for the ongoing series, filling the void left by Kumar. Mukesh, blessed with the board’s nod, is set to engage fully in the marital festivities, rejoining his teammates ahead of the fourth T20I in Raipur. The BCCI’s official Twitter handle echoed this update, indicating its unwavering support for the cricketer’s personal commitments.
As play commenced at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, the Australian captain, Matthew Wade, favored fielding after winning the toss. The Indian team, buoyed by a 2-0 lead in the series, aimed to seize the series. Their back-to-back victories in preceding high-scoring encounters had demonstrated the young brigade’s capacity to hold their own against the seasoned Australian contingent.
Though India was looking to maintain their winning momentum, the opposing team was not to be underestimated, with Australia undergoing considerable roster changes. Key players such as Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, and Sean Abbott were set to return to their homeland. The visiting side was to be replenished with the arrival of Ben McDermott, Josh Philippe, Ben Dwarshuis, and Chris Green for the remaining games.
The team compositions for both sides were robust, with India fielding a blend of emerging talents and seasoned players. Yadav led a squad featuring Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, and Prasidh Krishna. On the Australian front, the playing XI included Travis Head, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade, Nathan Ellis, Jason Behrendorff, Tanveer Sangha, and Kane Richardson.
The stage was set for another electrifying clash, with India aspiring to clinch the T20I series. As the cricket enthusiasts across the globe tuned in, India looked to capitalize on their winning streak, while Australia strived to bounce back and stamp their authority in the remaining matches of the tour. Beyond the field, the camaraderie of cricket extended best wishes to Mukesh Kumar for his ‘biggest game’ off the pitch, as the cricket community anticipated his return to the square following his wedding festivities.