AFG vs IND 2026: 3 players India could have picked instead of Yash Thakur

2. Mukesh Kumar

Mukesh Kumar put together a profitable IPL 2026 season with Delhi Capitals, reinforcing his reputation as a dangerous new-ball operator with reliable variations at the death. He has also been part of the Indian T20I setup in recent cycles, giving him familiarity with the demands of international cricket at this level.

Adding to his case, Mukesh was the leading wicket-taker in the Duleep Trophy heading into this selection window, demonstrating that his bowling form was equally sharp. That combination of domestic red-ball productivity and white-ball experience in the IPL and T20I arena made him a well-rounded option that the selectors could have considered seriously over Thakur.