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Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly believes Mukesh Kumar is a bowler who should represent the nation across formats. Ganguly wants Mukesh to be patient after India Test snub as he deserves a chance to get more opportunities on the back of consistent run in domestic cricket.
“Mukesh should definitely play. In these conditions, he's an excellent fast bowler. He consistently takes wickets in domestic cricket and deserves a chance,” Ganguly told India Today in an exclusive interview.
Mukesh has not played Test cricket for India since the home Test series against England last year. He wasn't picked in squads for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 and the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025.
However, he was a part of the India A side which played against England Lions. In the clash at Canterbury, he claimed three wickets for 92 runs.
"Karma bides its time. You will always have to watch out. Karma is unforgiving and always gets payback," he shared on his social media as Harshit Rana was asked to stay back for the opening Test of the series at Headingley, Leeds.
Mukesh for T20 Asia Cup?
So far, Mukesh has played three Test and claimed seven wickets at an average of 25.57. He made his last ODI appearance in December 2023 and last T20I appearance on Zimbabwe tour. Despite his long absence from T20I squad, Ganguly hopes he gets picked in the T20 Asia Cup 2025 squad.
“Since there’s no Test cricket at the moment, let’s see if he gets picked for the T20s or the Asia Cup. He’s a bowler who can perform across all formats. His time will come—just needs to be patient,” Ganguly added.
Mukesh’s numbers in IPL 2025
Mukesh was not at his best in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 for Delhi Capitals (DC). He claimed 12 wickets from as many games at an average of 34. But, his economy rate of 10.32 was not impressive. He was often picked in the side ahead of left-arm pacer T Natarajan.
Mukesh to play Duleep Trophy alongside Mohammed Shami
Mukesh will be back in action in Duleep Trophy 2025 which returns to the zonal format. He will be forming a partnership with veteran pacer Mohammed Shami under the leadership of Ishan Kishan. On August 28, the first quarter-final will be played between North Zone and East Zone. Mukesh will have a point to prove ahead of the two-Test series at home against West Indies which will commence on October 2.
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