IND vs WI 2nd Test: Mukesh Kumar makes Test debut in place of injured Shardul Thakur
Bengal pacer Mukesh Kumar will be making his Test debut for India after all rounder Shardul Thakur was ruled out of the 2nd Test against West Indies with a groin injury.
“Shardul has pulled up a niggle — a groin issue, it brings Mukesh on for a debut. He has worked hard in the domestic cricket,” India captain Rohit Sharma said at the toss on Thursday.
Kumar has played 39 first-class matches and has picked up 149 wickets at an average of 21.55. He also made his Indian Premier League debut in 2023 for the Delhi Capitals and has 7 scalps to his name in 10 matches.
Congratulations to Mukesh Kumar, who is all set to make his Test debut for #TeamIndia 🇮🇳🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/oSPbbVu2Rh
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 20, 2023
“There’s lot of memories, the rivalry between the two teams has always been exciting to watch. It’s always been a tough tour, you have to work hard. Even in the last game, we had to work hard, especially the batters. Hopefully we get the result we are expected of,” Sharma added when talking about playing the 100th Test between the two teams.
In the match, West Indies won the toss and elected to bowl against India. Kirk McKenzie will make his debut for West Indies, replacing Raymon Reifer.
India have an unassailable lead of 1-0 having won the first Test in Dominica an innings and 141 runs.
