Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has praised Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan who claimed his maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) fifer on April 26. Mohsin wrecked Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) top-order and returned to dismiss Anukul Roy in the middle overs to complete his five-wicket haul. Impressed by the 27-year-old, Bangar wants Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee to watch him keenly for his left-arm variety.
"It's been a long time and just its a matter of regaining that prime fitness. Because he is one player with that particular skillset that we do not really have that much in quantity in terms of the Indian talent. We have plenty of batters but one thing that we lack is a left-arm variety,” Bangar said on ESPNCricinfo’s TimeOut show.
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"I believe if you look at the pack that we have, in terms of the left-arm seamers, he impresses the most because the extra bounce that he gets, the ability to hit that length and he's got a heavy ball, that's what they always say. So he's got all the makings of a wonderful left-arm seamer and that is something the selectors should be keenly watching."
In India’s two consecutive T20 World Cup title wins, Arshdeep Singh has been the only left-arm pacer. India have had a few left-arm pacers in the last decade but Arshdeep has been the only one who has been able to cement his place.
Mohsin’s rise in IPL 2022 and injury setbacks
Earlier, in 2022 when Mohsin made his IPL debut, he became the talk of the town. He claimed 14 wickets from nine games at an average of 14.07 and economy rate of 5.96 runs per over. Many wanted him to get the India cap, treating him as a prospect for T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia.
However, injuries marred his career. He played five games in next season, picking up three wickets. In 2024, he claimed 10 wickets from as many games. His economy rate went past 10 and average in 30s. He missed the 2025 edition due to injury but LSG kept him in their plans. In 2026, he has repaid LSG's faith. From four games, he has bagged nine wickets at an average of 11.33. His economy rate is 6.37 runs per over.
Langer touts Mohsin for big things
"I said a few nights ago I thought he (Mohsin) and Prince will soon play cricket for India. And the thing about Mohsin Khan is, he is an incredible athlete,” Langer said in the post-match press conference
"He's done some great work with Bharat Arun. He spent - what a lot of people don't know - he spent a few months at Bharat's academy in Chennai leading up to this, all off his own back and he did it and he worked hard and he's getting fit. That's why he was so disappointed when he hurt his quad after the first game because we can see how valuable he is.
"We haven't had him much for the last two seasons and it's a great thrill for us to have him in the team and it wouldn't surprise me if it's a great thrill for India to have him in their team in the not-too-distant future," he added.
Mohsin is expected to be back in action again when LSG go up against Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium on May 4 in a bid to keep their playoff chances alive.