Mukesh Kumar Released From India Squad; Set To Feature For Bengal In Ranji Trophy 2024
Mukesh Kumar with India captain Rohit Sharma [AP Photos]
On Thursday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released pacer Mukesh Kumar from India's Test squad after announcing the playing XI against England in the ongoing third match at Rajkot.
Kumar will now join Bengal and feature in the final Elite Group B match of the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024 edition, where they face Bihar on February 16 at Eden Gardens. However, Kumar will rejoin Team India for the fourth Test at Ranchi, which begins on February 23.
Mohammed Siraj, who missed India's second Test at Visakhapatnam, makes a return to the XI for the Rajkot encounter, replacing Kumar, who had a torrid time in the second match, claiming just a solitary wicket across two innings, while leaking runs.
So far in three Tests, the 30-year-old has picked up seven wickets, having made his debut last year against the West Indies.
Kumar is yet to play for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy 2024 season, where the two-time champions are placed sixth in the group with 12 points, having won one, lost two, and drawn three matches.
Meanwhile, Siraj, who makes a comeback, will join forces with in-form Jasprit Bumrah as a two-man pace attack, with India focusing mainly on spinners Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja.
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