Uttar Pradesh all-rounder Saurabh Kumar earned an India call-up after being named in India squad for the second Test match against England as an injury replacement on Monday (January 29). The left-arm spinner has a vast experience of playing first-class cricket in the domestic setup and was even roped in as a net bowler against England in 2021, however, this is the first time that Kumar has found a place for himself in the India squad.
It is pertinent to note that this is not the maiden India call-up for Kumar who was previously part of the India squad during the home series against Sri Lanka in 2022. However, on that occasion, he had not been able to make his Test debut. With India perhaps looking to replace Ravindra Jadeja with an all-round option, Kumar's credentials could put him in the race to be part of the Playing 11, although those would be massive shoes to fill for any cricketer and with other experienced and tried options in the international arena waiting for their chance- the likes of Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar, chances are that Kumar might have to wait longer to earn his maiden Test cap.
Kumar though is elated with the chance to rub shoulders with some of the best players in world cricket- the likes of Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin.
"It has always been a dream to be a part of the Indian team. I mean which cricketer wouldn't want that? Lot of things need to come together for it, but I have had a bit of experience," he said while referring to the next bowler stint with Team India as quoted in a report carried by PTI.
"Not everyday you will get a chance to bowl to a Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma, especially if you are a domestic player. They hardly play in Ranji Trophy or other domestic matches because of national commitment," he added as quoted in the same report.
Saurabh Kumar Record- First Class Career
The Baghpat-born cricketer has played 68 matches in which he has picked 290 wickets while also scoring 2061 runs. Kumar has 22 five-wicket hauls to his credit and even has produced 10-wicket match hauls 8 times. With the bat too, he has been a gritty cricketer and has two centuries and 12 fifties to his credit. He has performed well in India A tours as well which has perhaps given the selectors the confidence to go with him while naming replacements after KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja were ruled out due to injuries.