Mukesh Kumar looked a visibly satisfied man as he was on his way to meet a friend in Bengaluru on Wednesday afternoon. The Bengal pacer, along with his state teammate Mohammed Shami, played a pivotal role as East Zone stormed into the Duleep Trophy semi-final for the first time in 14 years.
The 32-year-old pacer endured an injury-riddled 2025-26 season and struggled to find his best rhythm. Since his last ODI appearance for India, against Zimbabwe in July 2024, Mukesh has slipped down the pecking order among the fast bowlers in national team’s radar. But the pacer from Gopalganj is determined to regain lost ground and make a strong comeback in the upcoming season.
In this exclusive conversation with Revsportz, Mukesh spoke about his performance in the Duleep Trophy semi-final, the work he put into his bowling during the break, the potential of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to become an all-format player, bowling alongside Shami and more.
Mukesh, you were named POTM against Central Zone. How do you look back on that performance in the Duleep Trophy semi-final?
Mukesh Kumar: It was a very good performance and a perfect team effort. After playing in the Ranji Trophy semi-final last season, I got the opportunity to play red-ball cricket again. It was a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed it. I am happy with the performance.
How much will this performance motivate you going forward?
Mukesh Kumar: It will motivate me a lot. Last season, I started with the Duleep Trophy and unfortunately got injured on the same ground. I went to the Centre of Excellence, completed my rehabilitation, regained my fitness and received my fitness certificate before joining the Bengal squad for Ranji Trophy matches. However, I did not get to play many matches and could not showcase my performance. This season, I played my first match and made an impact. I am enjoying it a lot, and I want to carry this performance forward.
How was the experience of bowling with Mohammed Shami, who looked in great rhythm?
Mukesh Kumar: Bowling with Shami bhai is always a great opportunity because there is so much to learn from him—what he does and how he plans. We have been playing Ranji Trophy together since last season, so there is good coordination between us. We keep discussing what we can do with each delivery and what our plans should be. Whatever we do together is beneficial for both us and the team.
What areas did you work on your bowling during the break?
Mukesh Kumar: During the break, I worked on my fitness, line and length, and pace. You must have seen my consistency in the last IPL as I was hitting the same areas and maintaining my average speed. I worked a lot on those aspects. Now, I am just waiting for an opportunity. Whenever I get the chance, I will try to grab it.
You now have nine wickets in this edition of Duleep Trophy. What are your thoughts about the final against South Zone in Chennai?
Mukesh Kumar: First and foremost, we will have to adapt to the weather conditions because it will be hotter there. We will practise and then make our plan. It will depend on the situation. Once we reach Chennai, practice there and assess the conditions, we will know how to approach the match.
The upcoming Ranji Trophy season will be important for you, especially from the perspective of India selection. How do you see it?
Mukesh Kumar: Every Ranji Trophy season is important for every player. Last year, I was injured and could play only four matches. I have started this season well, so I am looking at the upcoming Ranji Trophy season as an opportunity. If I perform well, I will get my chance. Performance is the most important thing in a player’s career. It is what takes you to the top.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has largely been regarded as a white-ball player so far, but he impressed in the Duleep Trophy. Do you think it is unfair to label him as a one-format player?
Mukesh Kumar: You cannot label him that way. He was given an opportunity to play red-ball cricket and he has shown what he can do. He will continue to develop as a red-ball player, get more opportunities and prove that he can succeed in this format as well. The most important thing is that he should remain free-minded. I would tell him not to put pressure on himself or think that he has to do this or that. He should just focus on his game and continue playing the way he does. He has shown that he has the ability to be successful in any format.
What was it like sharing the dressing room with Vaibhav, who was also the vice-captain of East Zone?
Mukesh Kumar: He is very natural and still very much like a kid. On the ground, he enjoys himself, while in the dressing room he is quiet and focuses on his work. At the same time, he has a lot of fun. He was the vice-captain on the field, so we would speak to him and also discuss things with Abhimanyu (Easwaran). It is all part of the learning process. The more he plays, the more he will progress and the more he will understand the game.
Finally, what is the morale of the team ahead of the final?
Mukesh Kumar: Everyone is excited about the final—from the coach to the players. Everyone is really looking forward to it. It will be a special occasion for all of us. We will enjoy the moment and give our best in the final.
The post Exclusive: There is so much to learn from Shami bhai: Mukesh Kumar appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.
