He represented India five-years ago in West Indies when Mahendra Singh Dhoni was the captain. A fluent off-side player, who like the ball coming to his bat. Graceful to watch is the Chennai lad. But as they say, probably the right man at the wrong time like Stuart McGill one feels. For example, if Shane Warne was not there, he would have been a legend by now certainly.
Same is the case with our protagonist Abhinav Mukund, who could not make the cut because India were spoilt for choices. This is a good scenario to be in for a selector, but not a player.
Abhinav Mukund had to again to back to the nets after 2011, work on his skills, get massive runs in domestic cricket and then make a strong case. By the looks of it, he may fit into the openers role, because Shikhar is out-of form and Rahul is not consistent till now, so if Virat is looking to maintain a left-right combination at the top then Mukund is the man.
Coincidentally, back then in 2011, in the same match Virat Kohli made his debut.
He also delivered with the bat and as captain for India A against the touring Bangladesh team.
Recently, he spoke to BCCI TV and said, “It almost seems like a debut for me. It has been so long since I played for India. A lot of things have changed, but we are still the No. 1 team”.
He further said, “I received a warm welcome. A lot of them understand that making a comeback after five years is not easy. They have embraced the fact. I know Virat from my U-19 days, so it’s back to normal for both of us. I am quite excited to watch him train as he is a world beater now and a world-class batsman.”
When asked about the changes he had brought in his game, he explained, “I am much more confident and more aware. I will obviously be a little nervous if I get to play, but I am better prepared than last time. Back then I was 21 and was still figuring out how to bat and how I was going through in life. Right now, I am a much more matured person. If I am given a go, I will be able to do justice to it.”
The times were tough for the southpaw, elaborating that he said, “I have gone through all the emotions. I was desperate one season and was also calm in the next. It has been a mixture of both that has worked for me. It is important for me to continue doing the things I know the best like scoring big, batting well and keep working on my fitness and training. I think I have been successful doing that and that is the reason I am back this year. I thank all the selectors for reposing the faith in me.”
After caning Bangladesh in the warm up match, Mukund reckoned the visitors will hit back strong. He also spoke of the bench strength saying, “The India A team that was picked had about five to six players with over 850 runs in this domestic season. It speaks about the bench strength that we have. Bangladesh did not have two of their main players, so they will be looking to comeback stronger. They are playing in India for the first time and much better prepared for the Test now after the practice game.”
