Mukesh Kumar asserts in an exclusive interview that lofty expectations are detrimental to one’s serenity of mind
NEW DELHI: Renowned within Indian cricket circles, paceman Mukesh Kumar is hailed as a versatile player capable of excelling across all three formats. Making his international debut in all formats in 2023, Mukesh has demonstrated competence without igniting fervour.
Excerpts from an exclusive discourse…
What are your anticipations for the forthcoming IPL season? My aspiration is to offer my utmost and contribute to the Delhi Capitals clinching victory in the IPL.
It has been almost a year since you joined the Indian cricket team. What wisdom have you gleaned from the expertise of a bowler like Jasprit Bumrah? We engage in substantial dialogue. I first encountered him (Bumrah) during the Ireland series last year, his return after a back injury. He advised me to consider executing Yorkers early on, not just during the death overs. The essence of our discussions revolved around maintaining dominance over the batsman and ensuring unpredictability in my bowling.
It’s evident that your pace is gradually increasing. Are there specific drills you adhere to? Every pace bowler aspires to escalate their speed, targeting 140–145 kph. However, mere velocity at this level does not yield results. Without variation or swing in one’s repertoire, the 140-145 ball becomes vulnerable. My pace has indeed elevated, a result of relentless effort and rigorous training.
Are you eagerly anticipating the upcoming T20 World Cup? The T20 World Cup is not at the forefront of my thoughts presently. There’s ample time ahead for that. I focus on the present, setting short-term objectives such as daily training routines, yoga, meditation, and strategizing for upcoming matches. Small strides pave the path to significant accomplishments. I refrain from harbouring grand expectations, as they tend to disrupt mental equilibrium.
Your yorkers have been notably accurate in international matches. Is that your preferred delivery? Absolutely. I possess confidence in my ability to land yorkers accurately. Since my early cricketing days, even in street cricket, I’ve endeavoured to replicate what I’ve always practiced. Precision in Yorker delivery demands extensive practice, a facet I diligently work on during training sessions.
Within the DC squad, you have seasoned fast bowlers like Ishant Sharma and Anrich Nortje. Do you seek guidance from them? Firstly, Ishant Sharma is a stalwart! With him on the team, I require no further counsel. Ishant’s guidance is invaluable. After last year’s IPL season, I sought his feedback on my bowling. Whenever I encounter confusion or challenges pertaining to my bowling, I turn to Ishant Bhai for advice.
Are there any pearls of wisdom Ishant shares? Beyond mere tips, he offers immense motivation. He instills confidence in me, reminding me of my accomplishments in first-class cricket and emphasising the importance of maintaining high standards. His unwavering support has been instrumental in my progress.
The BCCI recently introduced fast bowling contracts. What are your reflections on this initiative? This initiative by the board is commendable. It acknowledges the efforts of young pacers in domestic cricket, even if they aren’t part of the national team or India ‘A’. It instills a sense of security among players and incentivizes them to strive for excellence to retain their contracts.
