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Former India captain Sourav Ganguly said that he was surprised when Indian selectors ignored Mukesh Kumar in the Shubman Gill-led squad for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 in England. Mukesh, who made his Test debut against the West Indies in 2023, has played three Tests where he picked up seven wickets. Mukesh's last Test outing came against England in Visakhapatnam in 2024.
Even in first-class cricket, Mukesh boasts 252 wickets in 52 appearances at 21.55 average for Bengal. While assessing India's pace attack, the former BCCI president felt the English conditions were ideal for Mukesh to bask in success with his skill set.
Before the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, there were plenty of pacers who were tried and tested during the two unofficial Tests between India A and England Lions. Mukhesh was a name in that pool and scalped a three-wicket haul in 25 overs at 30.66 in his sole appearance.
"I was surprised not to see Mukesh Kumar in the squad. His red-ball numbers in domestic cricket are phenomenal. These conditions would have been suitable for him. Hopefully, in future, he will get his chance," said Sourav Ganguly.
Sourav Ganguly on Anshul Kamboj
Ganguly also backed the young pacer Anshul Kamboj who made his Test debut in the fourth Test match against England, saying that his first Test being the parameter won't be ideal. Kamboj travelled to England before the fourth Test in Manchester after an injury crisis marred the Indian camp. Akash Deep nursed a groin niggle, and Arshdeep injured his hand while Nitish Kumar Reddy was ruled out of the entire series. In his Test debut, he bowled with the new ball ahead of mainstay Mohammed Siraj but failed to cast magic with it.
"Don't judge Anshul on one Test. He is a young kid, and he has picked wickets in domestic cricket. Give him five to eight Tests before passing judgment on him on how good he is," Ganguly said in a press conference on Thursday.
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