IND vs ENG 2024: Mukesh Kumar released from squad, to join Bengal for Ranji game

India pacer Mukesh Kumar has been released from the Test squad ahead of the third Test against England in Rajkot. The decision was confirmed by skipper Rohit Sharma at the toss, where India won and chose to bat first. Mukesh's exclusion from the playing XI came after his challenging stint in the previous Test match in Vizag, where he struggled, conceding at 6.28 without taking any wickets in the first innings.

The 30-year-old's tough outing on what was described as a not-so-friendly pitch prompted the team management to make a change even though Jasprit Bumrah's outstanding performance cloaked Mukesh's less-than-ideal outing. The pacer will join the Bengal team for their upcoming Ranji Trophy encounter before rejoining the Indian squad for the fourth Test in Ranchi. Mohammed Siraj, who missed the previous Test, made a comeback in the third Test at Rajkot. 

"Mukesh Kumar has been released from the India squad for the third Test against England in Rajkot. He will join his Ranji Trophy team, Bengal, for the team's next fixture before linking up with Team India in Ranchi," BCCI said in an official statement.

Here's BCCI's latest post on 'X':

Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah keeps advising me on the yorker: Mukesh Kumar

Spree of changes in Rajkot Test for India

As the India vs England series progresses, the absence of pace spearhead Bumrah in the potential fourth Test looms large, with the team likely to rest him to manage his workload.

Meanwhile, India introduced two debutants in the lineup in Rajkot: middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan, known for his prolific scoring in Mumbai's domestic cricket, and young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, who replaced KS Bharat. England made a change by bringing back pacer Mark Wood, who has replaced young spinner Shoaib Bashir.