India debutant Mukesh Kumar has impressed thus far in his maiden outing in Tests in the ongoing second match against West Indies in Trinidad. He took two wickets in the first innings and helped restrict the hosts to 255 in response to India’s 438.
Mukesh, 29, had an excellent Ranji Trophy season with Bengal, taking 22 wickets from five matches and also took seven wickets from 10 matches in IPL 2023, while playing for Delhi Capitals.
Mukesh, who had made his FC debut against Haryana in November 2015 said that he was surprised when he got to know that he was making his India debut in the second Test. He also said that it was a special feeling for him to play with big names like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
He also mentioned how good he felt when they hugged him after he picked the wickets.
“When I got to know that I was going to play, I was shocked all of a sudden. I wanted to bowl as soon as possible. I got wickets thereafter, and Virat bhai and Rohit bhai hugged me. Until recently, I had only seen them playing on TV but to play with them and to shake hands with them is a special feeling,” said Mukesh in a chat with Mohammed Siraj, video of which BCCI uploaded on social media.
“I need to be prepared at all times, whether I am playing or not. I want to attend the meetings, want to be part of the process, and always follow the process. I had a gut feeling that I could play this match,” he added.
Mukesh said that his conversation with his mother was a special moment.
“When I made my debut, I spoke with my mom. It was a special moment. I told her that I was now playing for my country and she was happy, my friends, all the people who had supported me were all very happy,” he said.
India scored at a breakneck speed in the second innings to declare their innings on 181/2 in 24 overs and set West Indies 365 runs to win the Test and level the series.
At stumps on Day 4, West Indies were 76/2, with Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Jermaine Blackwood unbeaten.
