The second Test between India and West Indies saw a heartwarming moment as debutant Mukesh Kumar made his long-cherished dream come true. Filling in for the injured Shardul Thakur, Mukesh’s hands were shaking with excitement and emotion as he donned the Indian jersey for the first time.
After the end of Day 1, Mukesh Kumar had an emotional phone call with his mother, expressing his joy and gratitude. “Hello mother, your prayers have been answered. I have got the chance to finally represent my country,” he excitedly shared with her in a video shared by the BCCI. In response, his mother blessed him with her best wishes, encouraging him to stay happy and keep growing in his cricketing journey.
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Receiving his India cap from Ravichandran Ashwin, Mukesh considered it the most important day of his life. The 29-year-old right-arm pacer earned his place in the national team after impressing with his performances for Bengal in domestic cricket, guiding them to two Ranji Trophy finals in three seasons. He also made his IPL debut for Delhi Capitals earlier this year, further showcasing his talent and potential.
No Dream Too Small! 🫡
Mukesh Kumar’s phone call to his mother after his Test debut is all heart ❤️#TeamIndia | #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/Sns4SDZmi2
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 21, 2023
With 149 wickets in 39 first-class matches at an impressive average of 21.55, including six five-wicket hauls, Mukesh’s selection in the Test team was well-deserved and a testament to his years of hard work and dedication.
Overwhelmed with emotions, Mukesh Kumar could hardly contain his happiness. “She loves me so much. It’s an important day for us. I cannot express the feeling today. In the morning, I got my debut, and now I am speaking to my mother. My hands are shaking. Very happy today,” he shared, reflecting the significance of the moment.
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As Mukesh Kumar embarks on his international journey, his debut is not only a proud moment for him but also an inspiration to young cricketers who dream of representing their country at the highest level. The Indian team and cricket fans are excited to witness his performance and potential on the field in the days to come.