Why Is Mukesh Kumar Not Playing IND vs ENG 3rd Test In Rajkot?

IND vs ENG 3rd Test: India made four changes to their Playing 11 in Rajkot with Mukesh Kumar forced to miss out.

Mukesh Kumar of India during an India Net Session at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot ahead of the third Test. ( Image Source :Getty )

India vs England 3rd Test: India are taking on England in the third Test match of the five-match series against England at the newly renamed Niranjan Shah Stadium (previously known as the Saurashtra Cricket Stadium) in Rajkot. The hosts have made as many as four changes to their Playing 11 from the second Test match with the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj coming back into the team. However, the decision meant no place in the side for Bihar fast bowler Mukesh Kumar along with Axar Patel.

Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also announced that Mukesh has been released from the squad so that he can play first-class cricket in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2023-24. Their verified X account shared the following post: "Mr 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."

 

UPDATE: Mr 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.#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 15, 2024

IND vs ENG 3rd Test: India Win Toss, Elect To Bat First

Meanwhile, India were off to a nightmarish start in the third Test match against the Three Lions in Rajkot. After winning the toss and deciding to bat first, the home team was reduced to 33/3 in 8.5 overs with Shubman Gill departing for a duck and Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rajat Patidar going back with scores of 10 and 5 against their name. Since then, the duo of Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja have provided some sort of stabilty to the Indian innings with Rohit having crossed a half-century and Jadeja too looking set for a big score. The five-match series currently stands levelled at 1-1.