‘Father didn't think I was good enough’- Mukesh Kumar on India call-up for ODI series against South Africa

Bengal pacer Mukesh Kumar is extremely excited for a potential India debut after being called up to represent the national side in the upcoming ODI series against South Africa. The seamer seemed emotional as he shared the news that he learnt about his India call-up only when he was added to team India’s official WhatsApp group.

The 28-year-old will most likely make his debut in the forthcoming ODI series against South Africa at home as Shikhar Dhawan dons the captain’s hat yet again. Mukesh made his debut for India A against New Zealand A last month and has proven his mettle as a seamer.

Moreover, he took a five-wicket haul in the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A and scalped a four-fer on Day 1 of the Irani Cup 2022. The player recalled his father’s words as he lost him to brain stroke before the Ranji trophy final in 2021.

Mukesh Kumar reveals his father's last words

Mukesh was understandably sentimental and expressed what his late father told him moments before the latter passed away.

"I got very emotional. It was all blur. I could only remember my father late Kashi Nath Singh's face. My father, till I played Ranji Trophy for Bengal did not think I am good enough to do well professionally. Unko Shaq thaa ki main kaabil hoon bhi ya nahi (He doubted whether I was good enough or not)," Mukesh told PTI.

After receiving the call-up for the national side, the seamer added that everyone at home was delighted by the news but also got pretty emotional.

"Today my mom had tears in her eyes. She was so emotional. Everyone at home started crying. Mujhe ground se dekhne se zyada meri mummy mujhe kaamyab dekhna pasand karenge. (More than watching me from the ground, my mother would like to see me become successful.)," he added.

Mukesh Kumar and Rajat Patidar are the two new faces included in the squad for the ODI series against the Proteas.