Right-arm pacer Mukesh Kumar who made his Test debut against West Indies on July 20 in the 2nd Test match of India’s tour of West Indies 2023 makes his ODI debut against the same team on July 27, 2023.
Mukesh Kumar makes his ODI Debut in IND vs WI 1st ODI 2023
Indian lead pacer Mohammed Siraj’s absence might be the reason for pulling Mukesh Kumar in the 1st ODI against West Indies. During the India tour of the West Indies 2023, team India is scheduled to play 2 Tests, 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is between July 12 to August 13.
As the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown pitch favours fast bowlers, Indian management might plan to add him to strengthen the Indian pacer attack. Mukesh Kumar who made his test debut in the 2nd Test against West Indies bagged his first international wicket by dismissing Kirk McKenzie for 32 runs in the 1st inning.
Mukesh Kumar’s maiden Test wicket! A moment for him to savour. A video for you to savour. #INDvWIonFanCode #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/fpCQSf1LsF
— FanCode (@FanCode) July 22, 2023
Speaking on his achievement, Mukesh Kumar says “When I got the wicket, Virat bhaiya ran up and hugged me. I was in a different world. The man I have watched all these years on TV and looked up to is hugging you. It felt great”.
“When you (Siraj) and JD (Unadkat) bhai were bowling, Rohit bhai said ‘It’s not a pitch where you can get wickets instantly. You need to work hard. I had to set up the batter with consistent bowling,” Mukesh told his senior pace bowling partner (younger in age though) Mohammed Siraj in an interaction for BCCI.TV.
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Although he was mentally ready, having gone through the paces in the nets, the moment he was told at the team meeting a day before, it took some time to sink in.
“When I came to know that I will be playing, I was shocked and actually completely zoned out. Whether I play or not, I am always prepared, so I went to attend the team meeting, keeping in mind that I need to follow my process. But there was some gut feel that I might play.” His mother was emotional and all those associated in this journey were very happy.
“So when it’s morning over here, it’s evening in India. So by evening, when I reached the hotel, I spoke to my mom, that’s a special feeling that ‘Maa main desh ke liye khel raha hoon (Mom, I am playing for the country). All my relatives and all those who supported me from the start are happy,” he told Siraj.
