Abhinav Mukund hopeful of getting more opportunities in near future

Indian opener, Abhinav Mukund, started off at an early age, he emulated the feasts of Sachin Tendulkar by scoring hefty runs in domestic cricket. Recognizing his talent, he got the national call up but couldn’t endure to the expectations of the national selectors.

In recently concluded series against Sri Lanka, Abhinav scored 81 runs in second innings of the first Test in Galle but had to make way for fit-again KL Rahul in the second Test. The duo, KL Rahul, and Shikhar Dhawan scored hefty runs and in virtue of that, Abhinav had to witness remaining two matches from dug out. However, the 27-year-old said that Indian team “has an idea” about his capabilities and is hopeful of getting more opportunities in the coming time.

Not being able to convert domestic scenario at national level

Being a different player altogether in the domestic circuit, he was asked whether the domestic statistics hit his mind while he was not able to convert the same at the highest level.

“I didn’t have any number in mind. I always had the confidence to score at the international arena. I was focused on the task at hand. I wanted to capitalize in the second innings. I was disappointed not to get a hundred but it felt good to spend some time in the middle at the top level,” the Tamil Nadu captain told cricbuzz.

Getting dropped after playing a good knock isn’t an easy pill to gulp down but Mukund is all set to work regressively with full fortitude and make the most of the opportunities he is presented with. As there are three batters in contention already for the opening position, Abhinav will have limited opportunities and is keen to go back to domestic circuit and come back stronger.

“It’s not a new thing for me to go back to domestic cricket, score heavily and come back. I’m all set for the season ahead. Whatever opportunities I get, I want to do well. It’s not like I was dropped because of bad performance. It’s just that I had to make way for a regular. I think people in the team have an idea of what I can do now. That’s a good place to be in. I should take it forward from this and keep scoring runs so that I am always in the reckoning,” he added.

On being abused for his colour

Racism is a century old social evil which seems to be intact not only with Indian society but also in the cricketing world. The left-handed batsman opened up about his feeling when he was abused on social media for his appearance.

“I have been facing such comments for a long time on social media. And I understand that people from Chennai or down south are generally dark in complexion. I don’t understand how trolling cannot be taken seriously. My teammates supported me. People could relate to what I said. In fact, a couple of ex-cricketers from Chennai did call me and said they too had faced such comments and that they were glad I came out. I wanted to make a statement so that people take it seriously. I think they have.”