Irani Cup: Mukesh Kumar records eighth fifer, eyes Test comeback
Indian pacer Mukesh Kumar has made his mark in the ongoing 2024/25 Irani Cup match against Mumbai at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. On Day 3, Kumar completed his five-wicket haul as Mumbai were bundled out for a mammoth 537. It marked his maiden five-wicket haul in the Irani Cup and his eighth overall in First-Class cricket. Kumar continues his bid for a Test comeback. He last featured for India in February this year.
Kumar's early strikes set the tone
Kumar set the tone for his team on the first day by claiming three crucial wickets in the initial session. He dismissed Prithvi Shaw (4) and Hardik Tamore (0) in a single over. The right-arm pacer then sent back debutant Ayush Mhatre for 19. His early strikes significantly impacted Mumbai's batting line-up, however, skipper Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, and Sarfaraz Khan later steadied the ship.
Kumar's consistent performance continues on Day 2
Shams Mulani (5) was Kumar's only scalp on Day 2 of the match. His fifth wicket came on Day 3 when he dismissed Juned Khan with a quick delivery that ended Mumbai's first innings. Despite Kumar's efforts, Mumbai managed to post a substantial total of 537 in their first innings, largely due to Sarfaraz Khan's double-century and half-centuries from Rahane, Iyer, and Tanush Kotian.
A look at his stats
As mentioned, Kumar has registered his eighth five-wicket haul in First-Class cricket. He also has 11 four-fers to his name. The medium-pacer has now raced to 186 wickets from 47 First-Class games at an average of under 22. His tally also includes a match haul of 10 wickets. Kumar made his Test debut for India in July last year, against the West Indies. He owns seven wickets in three Tests so far.
