Ashish Ranjan
Saturday was a special day for India’s debutant Mukesh Kumar, who took his first Test wicket against the West Indies in the series’ second and final match. Kirk McKenzie, a fellow Windies debutant, was the first batsman he dismissed in the longest format of the competition. Mukesh received his first Test call-up for the Windies tour and earned his first cap when he replaced an injured Shardul Thakur in the Trinidad match.
Mukesh bowled a length delivery outside off to the Windies’ McKenzie, who began Day 3 with an aggressive stance. The star of the West Indies attempted a late cut but entirely missed the line, allowing wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan to nick the ball. Mukesh appeared naturally ecstatic upon the dismissal and received a hug from Virat Kohli as the rest of his Indian teammates surrounded him to rejoice.
The dismissal was promptly followed by rain that halted play for over an hour on the third day as early lunch was consumed.
Mukesh received the call-up after an outstanding performance in the Ranji Trophy for Bengal, in which he claimed 22 wickets in five games. In addition, he played for the Delhi Capitals in the 2023 Indian Premier League and was praised by the team’s coach, Ricky Ponting.
It was evidently an emotional occasion for Mukesh when Ravichandran Ashwin presented him with his Test cap before the first day of the Test. Mukesh disclosed his conversation with his mother regarding his début during a post-match interview with the BCCI.
“My mother advised me to always be joyful. Keep moving forward. She stated that her blessings always accompany me. Mukesh expressed his emotion in a video shared by the BCCI. “All she wants is for me to keep improving and getting better,” he said.
“This event is extremely significant for me. I cannot express my happiness. I made my début in the morning, and now I am speaking with my mother in the evening. I am unable to comprehend what is being said.
