In a typical scenario, Mukesh Kumar wouldn’t be selected for India’s ODI World Cup team, according to Pragyan Ojha.
In all three games of the just-ended ODI series against the West Indies, Mukesh bowled with the new ball for India. With a top of 3/30 in the last ODI, the right-arm seamer took four wickets at an outstanding economy rate of 4.60.
When asked if Mukesh might join India’s World Cup team during a conversation on JioCinema, Ojha responded:
“Mukesh’s bowling was incredibly effective as he claimed three wickets. I believe Mukesh is doing well, but he is unable to perform since it would be impossible to exclude others who have performed before him.”
The former Indian spinner explains why he thinks players like Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Mohammad Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah should be selected ahead of the Bengal seamer:
You have Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah. Shardul (Thakur), a quick bowler with an excellent track record, is available if you need another one, and Arshdeep Singh can provide variety.
If all goes according to plan, Ojha does not believe Mukesh will play for India at the World Cup. He pointed out that’s been the difficulty for all sides in international cricket lately and said that injuries and forced changes might affect the picture.
“You already know what to expect from Mukesh Kumar” – Abhishek Nayar
In agreement with Pragyan Ojha, Abhishek Nayar said:
“Anything is possible, but I tend to agree with Pragyan Ojha’s perspective. You have recognized Mukesh’s potential. You know what you will receive from Mukesh Kumar since you have seen how well he performs.”
The former Indian all-rounder emphasized the qualities Mukesh Kumar possesses. But he questioned if a relative novice could play in a competition with so much pressure. As the World Cup, saying:
With the new ball, you’ll have a consistent line, consistent length, and success. The question then becomes: Given that you have a backup, will you deploy a player without much experience on a stage this enormous, like the World Cup?
Nayar continued by saying that he believes Shardul Thakur would be included in India’s World Cup roster. On the other hand, he had some reservations about including Mukesh.
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