Mukesh will emulate Mohammed Shami’s path if he stays in the Indian team for a considerable period of time: Bengal coach Saurasish Lahiri

After having a couple of phenomenal seasons for Bengal in the domestic circuit, Mukesh Kumar has made it to the Indian Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against the West Indies. Notably, this is his maiden call-up, and the Bengal workhorse will be gunning to make his national debut. 

Meanwhile, speaking about his growth and progress, Bengal head coach Saurasish Lahiri mentioned that the ace pacer is really talented and is elated that Mukesh got an opportunity in the national team. Lahiri also lauded the pacer by saying that he steps up in big matches and that the cricketer can evaluate Mohammed Shami’s path if he stays with the team for a reasonable amount of time.

“We are elated. It is a proud moment for all of us here in the Bengal team. Mukesh deserves it. A guy when picks up around 150 wickets in just 39 matches, it just says in numbers. His biggest strength is picking up wickets early in the innings,” Lahiri was quoted as saying by Mykhel. 

“He is a big-match player. Picking up Virender Sehwag in the first ball, picking up KL Rahul in a Ranji Semi-Final, that is his strength. I have seen Mohammed Shami in front of my eyes, and have seen his evolution. I am sure Mukesh will emulate the same path if he stays in the Indian team for a considerable period of time,” the Bengal coach added.

Abhimanyu Easwaran not getting a chance concerns me: Lahiri

The head coach also added that Abhimanyu Easwaran not getting an opportunity in the Test squad is a worrying sign. The cricketer has been in the scheme of things for quite some time now, but he is yet to make his debut. He has also been selected as a backup opener before but could not make it to the playing XI. 

“Abhimanyu Easwaran not getting a chance concerns me. He has done really well for India A which can't be matched by many. We always expect we will get chances, but it can't happen every time. I am sure Abhi (Abhimanyu Easwaran) will keep pushing himself and keep performing despite the setback,” Lahiri said.