Exclusive || I have a financial backup now for my mother’s medical treatments – Delhi Capitals signee Mukesh Kumar on getting Rs. 5.5 crore bid in IPL auctions

Shivani Gupta: Mukesh Kumar was watching the second Test match between India and Bangladesh, while IPL franchises in Kochi were breaking the bank to acquire the Bengal pacer. Originally from Kakarkund, a village in Bihar’s Gopalganj district, the right-arm pacer attracted bids from Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings, and Delhi Capitals, before the Rishabh Pant-led side secured the bid at Rs. 5.5 crore.

“I am from a humble background. This money will be a backup for my mother’s medical emergencies. She had a lung infection. For now, she is fine but if we ever need an immediate surgery, we will use the money,” said the 29-year-old DC signee while speaking to The Quotes.

Mukesh had to move to Kolkata in search of better opportunities and extend a helping hand to his father (Late Kashinath Singh), who used to run a taxi business in Kolkata. Mukesh was part of the DC camp during IPL 2022 and believes the franchise has shown a lot of trust in him by re-signing him in the IPL 2023 mini-auction.

“When I tuned in to the IPL auction, bidding was underway for overseas players. So, I switched to the India vs Bangladesh, 2nd Test. After a while, a friend called me and informed me that my name is up for auction. I immediately switched to Star Sports. I was happy with the fact that other franchises wanted to acquire me. But being in Delhi Capitals gives me immense satisfaction,” Mukesh Kumar told The Quotes.

Not long ago, the Bengal seamer produced his career-best figures of 6/40 as India A dismissed Bangladesh A for 252, on the first day of the second ‘unofficial Test.’ Once lauded by Pakistan’s pace sensation Waqar Younis, Mukesh had a terrific 2019-20 Ranji Trophy season, where he picked 32 wickets in ten games. He bagged 20 wickets in five games in the Ranji Trophy 2020-21..

Mukesh believes his recent performances in the domestic circuit have been acknowledged by IPL franchises, who showed a lot of trust in his potential.

“I believe in hard work and sheer commitment towards the process. I don’t think much of the results but like to enjoy the process. It’s a tough characteristic as the thought of the result keeps coming in the mind, but one needs to overcome it as soon as possible,” adds Mukesh Kumar.

The right-arm pace sensation is excited to be part of the Delhi Capitals’ dressing room which will be filled with the likes of Ishant Sharma, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Mustafizur Rahman, Kuldeep Yadav.

ALSO READ || Players want to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convey their issues and struggle – Ajay Kumar Reddy, Captain, Team India (Blind Cricket)

“I am delighted to be part of the DC squad. A lot of quality pacers will be part of the DC dressing room and I am excited to join the camp, and learn as much as possible,” concludes the second-most expensive uncapped signing in IPL 2023 auction.

ALSO READ || From Rs. 3,000 to 25, 000 per international match, more bilateral games and better perks – CABI submits key proposals for blind cricket, awaits BCCI’s time