IND vs AFG: Ex-KKR Team Director Reveals Mukesh Kumar's Waqar Younis Connection

Former Kolkata Knight Riders team director Joy Bhattacharjya shared a story of how Mukesh Kumar caught the attention of Pakistan’s Waqar Younis. Joy Bhattacharjya noted that Mukesh Kumar’s cricket journey took a significant turn after joining the Bengal team.

Mukesh Kumar made his debut for the Indian team across all three formats of the game last year. The right-arm pacer made impressive contributions in his brief international career. He played 2 Tests, 6 ODIs, and 12 T20Is, and took 6, 5, and 12 wickets respectively.

They Brought In Waqar Younis – Joy Bhattacharjya

“I remember I was first told this story by Joydeep Mukherjee. Vision 2020 where Bengal was trying to search for a fast bowler, and they brought in Waqar Younis. There were 300 odd bowlers bowling, and Joydeep was almost done with the nets, so he was walking out, and this kid comes up and says, ‘I haven’t got a chance, can I get to bowl?’ and Joydeep says, ‘Look, it’s over,’ and he says, ‘I’ve come all the way from Bihar, please allow me.’ He allows him a couple of balls, and he sees something,” Bhattacharjya told Cricbuzz.

Sourav Ganguly initiated the ‘Vision 2020’ campaign to provide exposure and high-quality coaching to young Bengal players. Mukesh demonstrated his prowess by securing 20 wickets during the 2021-22 Ranji Trophy, contributing to Bengal’s journey to the semi-finals.

Mukesh Kumar Could Barely Do One Pushup – Joy Bhattacharjya

Joy Bhattacharjya noted that Waqar Younis recognized Mukesh Kumar’s potential despite his physical limitations. Bhattacharjya highlighted that Kamlesh Jain, the former physio for the Bengal team, played a role in enhancing Mukesh’s diet and fitness.

“Waqar says this guy has something; he was so weak at the point he could barely do one pushup, he was undernourished, and from then on the current Indian physio, then the physio of the Bengal team Kamlesh Jain. They worked on his diet; they worked on his fitness and everything. Within a year and a half, he played for Bengal, and then after that journey,” Bhattacharjya added.

That’s How Stars Are Made – Joy Bhattacharjya

Joy Bhattacharjya highlighted that Mukesh Kumar’s journey to success wasn’t an immediate accomplishment. He said that numerous individuals had committed to assisting him.

“Mukesh Kumar doesn’t happen overnight; it takes so many people on the journey who are there and helping, not because they are friends or relatives, but just because they want to do good, and that’s how stars are made. Has Mukesh Kumar proud of making it by himself, but could he have made it without these interventions? Very difficult to say,” Joy concluded.

Mukesh Kumar is currently representing the Indian team in the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. The pacer has also retained his place in the Test squad for the upcoming series against England, alongside Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Avesh Khan.

Also read: IND vs AFG: Watch – Rohit Sharma Hits Mukesh Kumar On Head In Mohali