.svg){kind=small}
Mukesh Kumar, a Bengal and the Delhi Capitals pacer, was called up for his first national team on July 12 in preparation for their upcoming trip to the West Indies. Kumar, who has been Bengal's finest pacer for the past two and a half years, had a respectable first season in the Indian Premier League. In Mukesh Kumar’s IPL games, Kumar took 7 wickets in 10 matches.
In an interview with Times of India, Mukesh Kumar discussed his rise in the upcoming IPL 2023 and recalled an exchange he had with MS Dhoni that has stayed with him.
“I've always wanted to ask Dhoni bhaiya a few questions in person. Because of the IPL, this transpired. When I initially met him, I asked, "As captain and wicketkeeper, what do you tell your bowlers?"” Kumar said in the interview.
The bowler recalled that Dhoni had stressed the importance of trying new things for development as a cricketer.
“He embraced me and said, "I often tell the bowlers that unless they put forth the effort to improve, they will never get better.” He advised that you follow your desires to the letter. You won't be compelled to do anything against your will,” Kumar said.
“Dhoni added, “Don't worry about failing or succeeding; just go ahead and try it." He did a great job of laying out the details for me," Mukesh Kumar gushed.
The youngster thanked Delhi Capitals for giving him a second chance in the Indian Premier League. He credited experienced bowler Ishant Sharma as a major influence in his life.
“For this opportunity, I am extremely grateful to Delhi Capitals. The IPL was a great educational opportunity. I chatted with Ranadeb bhaiya (Ranadeb Bose) just before the IPL. How to deal with stress was one of his tips. I owe a great deal to my brother Ishant (Sharma). He instructed me to bowl in this fashion, to attempt to deliver the ball at this angle, and to aim for this area of the ground,” Mukesh said, "He told me to learn as many bowling tricks as possible,” Mukesh added.
In the absence of Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, Mukesh Kumar will be in contention to play in the upcoming Test matches in the West Indies.
Indian Premier League (IPL) team Delhi Capitals have benefited greatly from the signing of West Bengal’s right-arm medium-fast bowler Mukesh Kumar. After a successful T20 career at home, he was recently signed by the Delhi Capitals for a whopping Rs 5.50 crores, making him the highest-paid player in the league.
In 2018, while playing for Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Mukesh Kumar debuted in the Twenty20 format. He appeared in four games, finishing with six wickets and an economy rate of 5.44. He impressed the Kolkata Knight Riders enough that they signed him for the 2019 Indian Premier League. But he didn't play that year, so KKR cut ties with him before IPL 2020.
The Delhi Capitals have invested much money into Mukesh Kumar because they believe in his ability. He is more than just a good bowler; he can also field well and bat in the lower order. His quickness and fast reflexes make him an outstanding fielder who can prevent game-winning runs from being scored. He has also shown his worth as a batsman in domestic cricket by making several half-centuries while batting in the lower half of the lineup.
FAQs
Why was Mukesh Kumar picked?
Since Shardul Thakur was injured and unable to play, the BCCI decided to replace him with Mukesh. "Shardul Thakur was not available for selection for the 2nd Test due to a sore left groin," BCCI announced shortly after the toss. However, despite this initial disappointment, India and Mukesh Kumar benefited from the situation.
What is the maximum bowling speed of Mukesh Kumar?
Mukesh Kumar can reach a top speed of 145 kph when bowling. In a December 2022 first-class encounter against Hyderabad, he was able to achieve this speed. The ball reached 145 kph on the radar gun when he bowled against Tanmay Agarwal.
What is Mukesh Kumar’s net worth?
As of 2023, Mukesh Kumar’s net worth stands at INR 15 crores.
