Mukesh Kumar, a recent addition to Team India, has made a strong impression with his performances across formats during the ongoing tour of the West Indies. Making his debut in Test cricket, the right-arm fast bowler received his ODI cap in Bridgetown and participated in all three matches of the series, which India won 2-1. Continuing into the T20Is, Mukesh was once again backed by the team management, becoming the 103rd player to represent India in the shortest format.
His T20 debut marked a significant achievement, making Mukesh only the second Indian player, after T Natarajan, to debut in all three formats within the same tour. Throughout the tour, Mukesh has showcased impressive skills, earning praise from the team’s bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey.
Speaking ahead of the fourth T20I in Florida, Paras Mhambrey expressed his satisfaction with Mukesh’s progress and highlighted the importance of having players like him who can excel in challenging circumstances against strong opponents.
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“I’m extremely happy with the way he [Mukesh] has progressed. Not many people get the opportunity to feature [make their debut] in all three formats. But to get a chance to play in all three formats is fantastic,” Paras Mhambrey stated.
He further commended Mukesh’s approach, stating, “You need someone like him to come here on a tour and play against tough opponents on a different wicket which is never easy. But the way he has gone about it and the character he has shown [makes us] extremely happy.”
Considering Mukesh’s ability to play across formats, Mhambrey emphasized the importance of managing his workload effectively.
“Going forward, since we know he is capable of playing all three formats, we need to be smart with his workload management. He has played a lot of domestic cricket and got quality skills out there,” Paras Mhambrey noted.
Despite a recent victory against West Indies in Guyana by 7 wickets, Team India is still facing a must-win scenario as they trail 2-1 in the series. Looking at the team’s performance, Mhambrey underlined a positive outlook, focusing on building on their recent success.
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“I’m extremely happy with the way we fought back. So, looking at how we played the last game, it’s only one way forward from here and that is up and forward,” Paras Mhambrey concluded.