Ganguly Believes Mukesh Deserves More Opportunities
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has shown strong support for Mukesh Kumar, believing that the fast bowler has what it takes to excel in all formats of international cricket. Despite limited chances so far, Ganguly feels Mukesh’s consistency and adaptability make him a valuable asset.
Speaking about the pacer’s potential inclusion in upcoming squads, Ganguly said:
โ๐ด๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐. ๐ฐ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐’๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐. ๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐.โ
Ganguly highlighted that with no Test matches in the immediate future, Mukesh could be a good option for the T20I series or even the Asia Cup. He urged the bowler to stay calm and remain patient.
โ๐ฏ๐โ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐. ๐ฏ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ โ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐,โ ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ฐ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ป๐๐ ๐๐.
Mukesh’s Recent Performances and Disappointment
Mukesh recently impressed in the first unofficial Test against England Lions, where he took 3 wickets for 92 runs in 25 overs. However, he was rested for the second match to allow other players in the India A squad to get match time. Despite his strong showing, he was not selected for the senior Test team for the five-match series against England.
After being left out, Mukesh posted a cryptic Instagram story that read:
โ๐ฒ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐. ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐. ๐ฒ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐.โ
This hinted at his frustration over the snub.
A Look at Mukeshโs International Career
Mukesh Kumar has played three Tests, six ODIs, and 17 T20Is for India so far. Remarkably, all his international debuts came within a month during Indiaโs all-format tour of the West Indies in 2023. However, it has been over a year since the 31-year-old last featured in an international game.
As selectors look ahead to the Asia Cup and upcoming T20Is, Gangulyโs words might just reignite hope for Mukeshโs return to the Indian squad.
Also Read: Aakash Chopra on Shubman Gill: โItโs Only His First Series โ He Will Learnโ
