Cricket

Virat Kohli's return to the Indian Test team has been met with much anticipation, and his performance in the match simulation at the WACA has provided some insights into his current form. Kohli's first stint at the crease lasted only 15-20 minutes, during which he scored just 15 runs before being dismissed by Mukesh Kumar. However, he returned to the middle later in the session and looked more fluent, scoring 30 runs without losing his wicket.Kohli's initial struggles were attributed to the bounce and pace of the WACA pitch, which made it difficult for him to execute his trademark drives. He faced a variety of bowlers, including Mukesh Kumar, Prasidh Krishna, Navdeep Saini, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, but it was Mukesh who posed the biggest challenge. Mukesh's skiddy deliveries forced Kohli to play cautiously, and he was eventually dismissed while attempting to connect a delivery on the fifth stump.Despite his early dismissal, Kohli showed signs of improvement in his second stint at the crease. He displayed better judgment of line and length, and his hand-eye coordination was sharp. He also produced some brilliant cover drives, indicating that his timing is still intact.Kohli's performance in the match simulation is encouraging, but it remains to be seen how he will perform in the actual Test match. With Rohit Sharma likely to miss the Perth encounter, the onus will fall on Kohli to lead India's batting unit. He will need to be at his best if India is to have a chance of winning the series.

Rising Indian stars B. Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal showcased their exceptional batting prowess on day two of the first 'Unofficial Test' against Australia-A, guiding India-A to a commanding position with a 120-run lead.Mukesh Kumar, the Bengal seamer, had earlier stolen the show with a remarkable six-wicket haul, restricting Australia-A to 195 in their first innings. Despite his heroics, the hosts managed to secure a crucial 88-run lead.India-A's second innings began with a shaky start, losing skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and Abhimanyu Easwaran cheaply. However, Sudharsan and Padikkal steadied the ship with a resolute 178-run stand for the third wicket.Sudharsan, known for his aggressive strokeplay, struck nine boundaries in his 185-ball 96, while Padikkal played a patient yet composed knock, scoring an unbeaten 80 from 167 balls. Their partnership allowed India-A to seize control of the match.Sudharsan's innings was characterized by his ability to dispatch anything short, cutting and pulling with precision. Padikkal, on the other hand, worked the ball around for quick singles and capitalized on loose deliveries to reach his half-century.With two more days remaining in the four-day fixture, India-A now hold a significant advantage. The scores stand at: India-A 107 and 208/2 in 64 overs (Sai Sudharsan 96 batting, Devdutt Padikkal 80 batting) vs Australia-A 195 in 62.4 overs (Nathan McSweeney 39; Mukesh Kumar 6/46, Prasidh Krishna 3/59).

Mukesh Kumar, the rising star of Indian cricket, has made a compelling case for his inclusion in the national team with his exceptional performances in domestic competitions. Despite the departure of several senior players, the competition for places in the Indian team remains fierce.In the recently concluded Duleep Trophy, Kumar emerged as the second-highest wicket-taker for India B, claiming 15 wickets at an impressive average of 28.60. His tally included two four-wicket hauls, showcasing his ability to strike consistently.Kumar's impressive form continued in the Irani Cup, where he picked up a five-wicket haul for the Rest of India team against Mumbai. His performance in this prestigious match further solidified his credentials as a potential candidate for the Indian team.Speaking to Sportstar after his standout performance in the Irani Cup, Kumar expressed his focus on executing his plans and justifying the trust placed in him by the captain. He acknowledged that selection is an ongoing process and that he will continue to strive for excellence.Kumar's aspirations extend beyond representing India in one format. He aims to play for the country in all three formats, recognizing the pride and honor associated with representing India on the international stage.With Mohammed Shami's fitness still a concern, Kumar could be a viable backup option for the upcoming tour of Australia. The wickets in Australia are known to favor pacers, and Kumar's ability to generate pace and bounce could prove valuable.Kumar's determination and consistent performances have put him on the radar of the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee. If he continues to impress in domestic competitions, he is likely to earn a call-up to the Indian team in the near future.

Mukesh Kumar, a rising star in Indian cricket, has emerged as a strong contender for a spot in the upcoming Test series against Australia. Despite being one of only two Indian male pacers to debut in all three international formats in the same series, Kumar has remained grounded and focused on his performances.After a remarkable tour of Australia in 2020-21, where he was part of the historic Test series win, Kumar has continued to impress with his consistent performances. In the recent Duleep Trophy, he claimed 15 wickets, second only to Anshul Kamboj's 16. His five-wicket haul for Rest of India against Ranji Trophy champion Mumbai further solidified his credentials.While Australia is considered a daunting prospect for many Indian Test cricketers, Kumar is unfazed. He believes that playing for India was his ultimate goal, and touring other countries is a matter of pride. He is eager to bowl in the challenging conditions Down Under and prove his worth.Kumar's humble upbringing in Kakarkund, Bihar, has instilled in him a deep appreciation for the game. He spent countless hours practicing, regardless of the quality of the pitch or the opposition. This unwavering dedication has paid off, as he has become a reliable performer for Bengal, Delhi Capitals, and the Indian national team.Despite his success, Kumar remains grounded and focused on his goals. He understands that selection is a competitive process, but he is confident in his abilities. He believes that if he continues to perform well, he will eventually earn a place in the Test squad.Kumar's journey is a testament to the power of hard work and determination. He has overcome challenges and remained true to his passion for cricket. As he prepares for the potential opportunity to represent India in Australia, Mukesh Kumar is poised to make a significant impact on the world stage.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's net bowler, Mukesh Kumar, has become an internet sensation after a video of his uncanny resemblance to Indian cricket star Jasprit Bumrah went viral on social media. Kumar's bowling action is strikingly similar to Bumrah's, leaving fans in awe of the young bowler's potential.Kumar, who played for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022, was seen bowling at the nets with an action that perfectly mirrored Bumrah's. Fans were quick to notice the similarities and expressed their excitement for Kumar's future prospects.Despite RCB's struggles in IPL 2024, the team has kept their playoff hopes alive with recent victories. Virat Kohli has been their standout performer with the bat, providing crucial support to Will Jacks, who scored a sensational century against Gujarat Titans.After the match, Kohli hit back at critics who questioned his strike rate, despite being the tournament's leading run-scorer. "For me, it's about winning games for the team," Kohli said. "People can talk about their assumptions, but those who have played the game know what's happening."Kumar's emergence as a potential Bumrah-like bowler has added another layer of intrigue to the IPL 2024 season. With his impressive action and the support of RCB, Kumar could be poised for a breakout performance in the coming matches.

Mukesh Kumar, the rising star of Indian cricket, has emerged as a versatile bowler for Delhi Capitals in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. Known primarily for his seam bowling in red-ball cricket, Kumar has been entrusted with the crucial role of a death overs specialist by the Capitals.This transformation has surprised many, but Kumar has embraced the challenge with open arms. "I was told last season to be prepared for bowling at the death, so I was doing accordingly," he said in a recent interview. To enhance his skills, he sought guidance from Ishant Sharma, his experienced teammate at DC. Sharma's expertise helped Kumar develop a repertoire of slower balls, knuckle balls, and wide yorkers.Kumar's effectiveness in the death overs was evident in Delhi Capitals' thrilling victory over Gujarat Titans. Defending 18 runs in the final over, Kumar stuck to his plan of bowling slower balls and low full-tosses, ultimately securing the win for his team.Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian pace spearhead, has also played a significant role in Kumar's development. "I was focusing on yorkers last season, but Jassi bhai made me realize that a yorker's effectiveness depends on the conditions and the pace of the pitch," Kumar explained. "If it is slightly slower, an attempted yorker may end up landing in the slot, so I am focusing more on the slower ball this season."While yorkers remain a staple in T20 cricket, each IPL edition brings its own flavor in terms of containing range-hitters. "Wide yorkers are trending this season, but you cannot overdo it upfront and waste the new ball," Kumar said. "You have to try for wickets upfront, so that's the risk you take by bowling in line and risking the batters going after it."Kumar's versatility and adaptability have made him a valuable asset for Delhi Capitals. His ability to bowl both seam and swing, as well as his effectiveness in the death overs, has given the team a much-needed edge in the competition. As the IPL progresses, Kumar is poised to play an even more significant role in the Capitals' quest for glory.

Mukesh Kumar, the promising Indian pacer, has made a significant impact on the cricketing scene with his impressive performances in all three formats. In an exclusive interview, Kumar shared his insights on his bowling prowess, the guidance he has received from senior bowlers, and his aspirations for the upcoming season.Kumar's journey to the international stage has been marked by consistent performances in domestic cricket. His ability to deliver in all three formats has earned him recognition as a versatile bowler. In 2023, he made his international debut in all three formats, showcasing his skills against some of the world's best batsmen.One of the key factors behind Kumar's success has been his ability to execute accurate yorkers. He credits his confidence in landing the yorkers to his early days in cricket, where he honed his skills in gully cricket. Kumar's yorkers have become a potent weapon in his arsenal, helping him to restrict batsmen and create pressure situations.Kumar has also benefited from the guidance of experienced fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Ishant Sharma. He has learned the importance of not allowing batsmen to dominate and the value of unpredictability in his bowling. Bumrah's advice to bowl yorkers with the new ball has been particularly influential in Kumar's development.In the Delhi Capitals squad, Kumar has found a mentor in Ishant Sharma. Sharma's experience and knowledge have been invaluable to Kumar, who seeks his advice on bowling techniques and strategies. Sharma's belief in Kumar's abilities has instilled confidence in the young pacer.Kumar is excited about the upcoming IPL season and is determined to help Delhi Capitals win the title. He is also looking forward to the T20 World Cup, but remains focused on the present and his short-term goals.The recent introduction of fast bowling contracts by the BCCI has been welcomed by Kumar. He believes it will recognize the efforts of young pacers in domestic cricket and provide them with a sense of security.