“Bas lage rhna hai” — three simple words that encapsulate the grueling, often solitary journey of a fast bowler striving for a second life in international cricket. For Mukesh Kumar, the Bengal pace spearhead who has traversed the high-pressure environment of the Indian national setup and the unforgiving grind of domestic cricket, these words are more than a mantra; they are a lifestyle.
After a hiatus of over two years, during which he faded from the national radar following a standout four-wicket haul against Zimbabwe in Harare, Mukesh is once again knocking on the doors of the BCCI selectors. His inclusion in the India A squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand signals a significant turning point in his career, validating a period of intense physical and mental conditioning.
Rediscovering the Rhythm
For Mukesh, performance is intrinsically tied to volume. As a “rhythm bowler,” he thrives on the consistency of the red-ball game. Last season, an untimely calf injury stifled his progress, limiting his outings and forcing him to watch from the sidelines as the international cricket calendar marched on.
“The longer I play through a season, the better my rhythm becomes,” Mukesh explained in an exclusive interview. “That did not happen last year because of the injury. I played only three Ranji Trophy matches, a few Syed Mushtaq Ali games, and five Vijay Hazare fixtures. This year, however, I have already been part of teams that won the Duleep Trophy and the Irani Cup. I am enjoying my cricket, my body is getting into a rhythm, and I feel I have prepared well.”
His recent statistics speak for themselves. With 12 wickets in the Duleep Trophy and eight in the Irani Cup, Mukesh has hit the ground running. He remains a master of the upright seam, a skill he values far more than the ability to move the ball through the air. By keeping his wrist firmly cocked and his split fingers aligned, he ensures the ball hits the deck with a lethal, bolt-upright seam position.
The Anatomy of a Comeback
Turning 33 in just a few days, Mukesh understands that the window for a comeback is narrow, yet he is fueled by a clearly defined three-point plan executed during the off-season. He has focused heavily on refining his baseline fitness, tightening his line and length, and—perhaps most impressively—adding extra yards to his pace.
The mental toll of injury, however, remains the biggest hurdle for any elite athlete. “At times, the mind can become frustrated when you are injured. Cricket is happening all over the world, and you are lying in bed, unable to play. You see other players representing India and wonder when you will return,” he admitted.
His support system, ranging from his family to high-profile mentors, has been crucial. Mukesh revealed that he has been leaning on the wisdom of senior statesmen, including former India captain Sourav Ganguly and ace pacer Mohammed Shami.
“I had a long chat with Mohammed Shami as well. He has shared his experience of bowling in New Zealand and has advised me on things I can do differently,” Mukesh shared. “I’ve also met Sourav sir. He was one of India’s best captains, and he shared detailed insights about the conditions in New Zealand.”
Managing the Workload
As he prepares for the Bengal Ranji Trophy opener against Delhi before flying to New Zealand, Mukesh is candid about the reality of a modern fast bowler’s life. The constant flux of IPL, domestic tournaments, and international travel leaves little time for recovery.
When asked how he knows when to draw the line, he laughs, offering a pragmatic perspective: “A fast bowler can never be 100% fit. There will always be some niggle or the other. But the body gives you signals. If you push beyond your limits, you may end up paying a heavy price. It’s about communication—telling the management when you need a break.”
The Road Ahead
Mukesh Kumar’s journey is a testament to the perseverance required to survive in the upper echelons of Indian cricket. While he has predominantly tasted success with the SG ball—claiming 21 of his 22 recent domestic wickets on home soil—the transition to New Zealand’s conditions will be the ultimate test of his technical adjustments.
He is not looking for shortcuts. Instead, he is looking for the next delivery, the next match, and the next opportunity to prove his worth. With the maturity of a seasoned professional and the hunger of a newcomer, Mukesh Kumar is ensuring that when the selectors next cast their eyes toward the pace reserves, his name is impossible to ignore. For now, the mission remains simple: keep bowling, keep pushing, and keep the seam upright.
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