Mukesh Kumar, the feisty pacer from Bengal, has overcome numerous obstacles and personal setbacks to achieve his dream of representing the Indian Test team. From humble beginnings in a remote village in Bihar to catching selectors’ attention, Mukesh’s journey is a testament to his perseverance and unwavering determination. Despite facing adversity, he has emerged as a shining star in domestic cricket, earning his place in the national squad for the upcoming tour of the West Indies.
Mukesh’s journey was marred by malnutrition and a knee condition called bone edema, which often kept him out of games and in hospital or rehabilitation centers. However, his fortunes began to change during the “Summer of 2014” when he caught the attention of former Bengal speedster Ranadeb Bose. During the Cricket Association of Bengal’s ‘Vision 2020’ program, Bose recognized Mukesh’s potential and was impressed by his ability to consistently bowl long spells and maintain a probing line outside the off-stump.
“My dream is now in front of me. I always wanted to be here to play Tests for India. And I’ve finally arrived. I’m sure Dad would be happy now seeing my rise. Mummy, papa’s support will always be there, and to all my friends for believing in me. Sourav Ganguly Sir, Joydeep (Mukherjee) Sir, and my guru Ranadeb Bose sir, who has always guided me in red-ball cricket. Without their help, I don’t think I would have survived,” said Mukesh, who has 149 wickets at 22.55 from just 39 first-class matches.
Despite being initially rejected in trials, Bose went out of his way to convince then-CAB secretary Sourav Ganguly to give Mukesh an opportunity. The CAB supported him, including proper diet, medical care, and accommodation at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Mukesh underwent extensive rehabilitation and focused on strengthening his core for nearly a year. In 2015-16, he made his Ranji Trophy debut for Bengal against Haryana, saving his career and solidifying his place in the team.
“My job was at stake, then at the end of the day, the first wicket he got was that of Sehwag in Lahli. He saved his career and my job,” Bose said.
“Kahan se start kiya tha, aur kahan pahuncha (from where I began and where I’m now, it feels completely surreal). A tireless workhorse, where does Mukesh get the consistency from? “It’s simple. I always give my 100 percent in whatever I do and will keep doing the same thing.” He said Bose’s mantra has kept him going all these years.
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After a brief setback due to injury in the following season, Mukesh made a strong comeback in 2018-19, delivering impressive performances with 22 wickets in five matches. He formed a formidable pace attack with Ishan Porel and Akash Deep, leading Bengal to two Ranji Trophy finals in 2019-20 and 2022-23. Mukesh’s consistency and dedication were recognized at the India A level, where he picked up crucial wickets against strong opponents like New Zealand A and Bangladesh A.
Mukesh believes that his late father would be proud of his achievements. He acknowledges the unwavering support of his mother, friends, and mentors like Sourav Ganguly, Joydeep Mukherjee, and Ranadeb Bose. With 149 wickets at an average of 22.55 from just 39 first-class matches, Mukesh’s journey from humble beginnings to national recognition is surreal.
“There is only one mantra; don’t give room to batters. If you bowl in the legs, they flick; if you offer room, they cut you. He always kept telling me to maintain discipline in bowling. I always carried that mantra in domestic cricket, which has worked for me. The more I make the batters play, the more opportunity I would create,” the 29-year-old said.
