Ishant Sharma opens up on Bengal's workhorse Mukesh Kumar, latter's grounded nature and fast bowling discipline

Ishant Sharma was full of praise for Mukesh Kumar after the Bengal pacer's India call-up. Rohit Sharma-led team India will tour the West Indies to play two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is. Notably, Kumar has earned a place in both Test and ODI squads.

Ishant believes Umran Malik has the potential to be a long-term contributor to the Indian side. The 34-year-old stated that if properly handled, Malik, Arshdeep Singh, and Kumar can carry forward the current Indian pace attack.

“If you work properly with him, Umran Malik has the potential to do well for the country for a long period of time. The second would be Arshdeep Singh, and the third for me is Mukesh Kumar,” Ishant said on YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia’s 'The Ranveer Show Hindi' podcast.

Furthermore, Ishant said that not many people are aware of the Bengal pacer's story and that he has never met a man as simple as him. He also said that if asked to bowl a specific delivery, he would only execute that delivery. Kumar also requires proper supervision on the pitch so that when a pressure scenario arises, he knows what delivery to bowl, according to the 34-year-old.

“Not many people know his (Mukesh Kumar) story, but I haven’t seen a man as simple as him. If you ask him to bowl a particular delivery, he will bowl only that! He needs the right guidance on the field so that when the pressure situation comes, he knows what delivery to bowl," he added.

If he’s guided properly, Kumar can become a very good fast bowler: Ishant

Ishant then discussed his time with Mukesh Kumar while playing for the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL). He bowled the difficult overs in the IPL, and no one sees the situation in which he bowled or which batter he bowled to, and everyone just sees that he gave away 50 runs in four overs. Notably, in the 2023 IPL, the 29-year-old bowler took seven wickets from ten matches at an average of 46.57 and an economy rate of 10.52.

“He went for runs in IPL because he bowled the tough overs. No one sees the situation in which he bowled, or which batsman he bowled to. Everyone sees that he conceded 50 runs in 4 overs.

“When Russell is playing, and they’ve lost 8 wickets, what does he have to lose? If you even fail to execute one yorker, he will hit you for a six. No one notices these things. If he’s guided properly, he can become a very good fast bowler,” Ishant concluded.