Former India pace bowler Zaheer Khan has added that fast-bowler Mukesh Kumar is going to be around the Indian Test setup for some time now. Mukesh claimed two wickets as the second Test of the two-match Test series ended in a draw at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain as well. Speaking to Jio Cinema, Zaheer Khan said Mukesh Kumar looked composed also. He also claimed the wickets of Kirk McKenzie and Alick Athanaze on his Test debut for India.
“He looked good. There’s no doubt about it. He had a good outing out there in his first match, was very composed that showed good temperament. And when you’re looking at the bench strength of this Indian team, it’s looking very solid. You can see say that Mukesh Kumar is going to be around in this set up for a while,” said Zaheer Khan.
READ MORE: Sanjay Manjrekar dissects Virat Kohli’s poor show in WTC Final
He again said that Mukesh Kumar needs that extra yard of pace to be successful at this level, stating that he can take a leaf out of Mohammed Siraj’s book as well. However, Siraj picked a five-wicket haul in the first innings in Port of Spain and also he was awarded his first Player of the Match award in his Test career.
“There is no doubt about that. It’s up to him that how he takes things forward now from here and takes his bowling to the next level. I still felt that he needs to add that a yard or to his pace if he has to be really successful at this level, I can take a leaf out of Siraj’s book and how he has gone about doing his business,” he again added.
The veteran also said that Mukesh Kumar has to be ready for his opportunities since he might not get many chances after Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami’s return to the side.
READ MORE: Harbhajan Singh says Australia have the upperhand in the WTC final
“You just need to nurture him and keep him with the team. He has to be ready every time because he’s in that position where he might not get a long run. Bumrah might come back and Shami might come back. And then even if he’s had a good outing, he might not get a get a game to play. So in that scenario, it’s important how you manage yourself because it can be a frustrating phase,” concluded Zaheer Khan.
