Mukesh Kumar released from India squad, set to join Bengal team for Ranji Trophy clash

Mukesh Kumar has been released from the India squad for the ongoing third Test against England in Rajkot, the BCCI announced on Thursday (February 15).

The right-arm pacer failed to find a place in the playing eleven for the first Test in Hyderabad as Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj shouldered the fast-bowling responsibilities. For the second Test in Vishakhapatnam, Siraj was rested and Mukesh Kumar got the opportunity to play his first Test on home soil.

However, he failed to make the opportunity count. While Bumrah blew England away, Mukesh Kumar struggled with the ball. In the first innings, he conceded 44 runs in just 7 overs and failed to pick up a wicket. In the second innings, he picked up 1 wicket for 26 runs in 5 overs.

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Mukesh Kumar released:

With Siraj returning for the third Test, Mukesh Kumar was dropped from the playing eleven. While he was present on the field before the start of the game, he was soon released from the team to link up with his Bengal teammates. The BCCI stated the pacer will link up with the Indian team ahead of the fourth Test in Ranchi.

“Mr Mukesh Kumar has been released from the India squad for the third Test against England in Rajkot. He will join his Ranji Trophy team, Bengal, for the team’s next fixture before linking up with Team India in Ranchi,” the BCCI stated.

UPDATE: Mr Mukesh Kumar has been released from the India squad for the third Test against England in Rajkot.

He will join his Ranji Trophy team, Bengal, for the team's next fixture before linking up with Team India in Ranchi.#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 15, 2024

Bengal’s next game in the Ranji Trophy is against Bengal, scheduled to begin on Friday (February 16). On the other hand, the fourth Test is scheduled to begin on February 23. Mukesh Kumar will be desperate to regain his rhythm and perform well in the Ranji Trophy clash. In his last few games for Team India, he has struggled to pick up wickets.

In the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan last month, he managed to pick up just two wickets before taking 1 wicket in the second Test against England.

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