Mukesh Kumar confirms his selection for BGT 2024-25, says "from what I've heard..."

Indian pacer Mukesh Kumar is confident about his selection in the national team for the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series. Mukesh Kumar said that he is not overly concerned about the competition for spots on the team despite domestic teammate Akash Deep's recent performances.

Mukesh made his debut in all three formats of international cricket during India’s tour of the West Indies in 2023. The pacer became the second Indian player, after T Natarajan, to achieve the feat of making a debut across format in on the same tour. Natarajan has faded from the spotlight after the Australia 2020-21 tour, but Mukesh has kept going strong.

I Will Definitely Be Selected - Mukesh Kumar

Mukesh Kumar said that he remains calm despite falling down the pecking order to Akash Deep. Kumar stated that his focus is on performing well and justifying the captain's trust in him. The pacer said that he would be selected for the national team if he continued to excel.

“I was primarily focusing on this game, how to plan a wicket, how to justify the faith that the captain has shown in me,” Mukesh told Sportstar.

“Selection and all will keep happening. If I have done well and am deserving, I will definitely be selected. There will be many more opportunities to perform in other matches as well,” he added.

Mukesh Kumar's Recent Record In Red Ball Cricket

Mukesh played only three Tests for India, including a match against South Africa and another at home against England in Vizag. However, he has recently made a strong case for his selection by delivering impressive performances in the domestic red-ball tournaments, the Irani Cup and the Duleep Trophy.

He was the second-highest in the Duleep Trophy 2024-25 season. The right-arm bowler took 15 wickets while playing for India B in the season's first domestic red-ball tournament. He continued his form in the Irani Cup 2024 match, where he recorded a five-wicket haul for the Rest of India team.

Playing For India Was The Only Target - Mukesh Kumar

Mukesh Kumar believes that the upcoming Australian conditions will benefit fast bowlers, which increases his chances of being selected as a backup pacer for the Border-Gavaskar series. He stated that his only target was to play for India, and now that he has achieved that.

“Actually, playing for India was the only target that I had set for myself. Once I achieved it, I have realised playing in each of the other countries is going to be a matter of pride,” Mukesh said.

“From what I have heard, wickets are helpful for pacers, with pace and bounce to offer. I have obviously been thinking of bowling there and doing my best should I get an opportunity.”

With Mohammed Shami's return still uncertain, Mukesh is in contention to be picked for the upcoming home Test series against New Zealand. The Test series will be played from October 16 to November 5. They will then travel to Australia for the BGT 2024-25 series, starting on November 22 in Perth.

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