'Mukesh Kumar deserved selection, Abhimanyu Easwaran should've his debut Soon': Bengal legend Saurasish Lahiri | Exclusive

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Former Bengal player Saurasish Lahiri believes Mukesh Kumar should have been picked in the England tour, on the basis of performance and consistency.

Mukesh Kumar was part of the India A tour in England but was not included in the Indian team. Before the start of the ongoing Test series against England, Harshit Rana was roped in as a backup, but Mukesh was ignored.

The Bengal pacer, who is currently playing in the Bengal Pro T20 League for Malda Smashers, has been a consistent performer in the domestic circuit and has also done well for India A. And Saurasish Lahiri believes Mukesh's omission was disappointing and stresses the player should have been picked, as he spoke to MyKhel in an exclusive chat.

"Mukesh has done everything to be there. Last time, we were together in the India B team. I was the bowling coach of the team. He is a very consistent player, he has been outstanding. I think, after his performance, he should have been there. It was very disappointing for all of us in Bengal that Mukesh was left out of the tour."

After the omission, a cryptic Instagram Post from Mukesh Kumar heightened questions, and also sparked rumours that those were directed at the India head coach Gautam Gambhir. But when asked if Mukesh's omission was a partiality, Saurasish stressed rather it was about the preference from coach and captain.

"I won't say partiality. It is about the liking of the coach and the captain. There is a preference in the team. Harshit Rana got a chance because of that. But on the basis of sheer performance, Mukesh definitely should have been there."

Another Bengal player, Abhimanyu Easwaran, is in the squad but remains on the wings for now, as Sai Sudharsan was preferred over him for the first Test. And Saurasish believes he will finally have his elusive debut.

"Sometimes you have to take it [the omission]. Abhi (Abhimanyu) is a mentally tough guy and that's why he is there. Time is important, and Abhi will have to wait for it. But I am sure, sooner or later, he will get his debut."