Mukesh Kumar released from India squad, Bengal pacer to feature in Ranji Trophy match vs Bihar in Kolkata

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Mukesh Kumar was released from the squad before the third Test against England in Rajkot. The 30-year-old pacer will now play a Ranji Trophy 2023-24 match for Bengal against Bihar from February 16 in Kolkata.

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

Akash Deep, a second pacer from Bengal was added in India squad for the final three Tests against England. However, he did not get to make his India debut on Thursday.

Mukesh Kumar was replaced by Mohammed Siraj in the India playing eleven for the third Test of the five-match series against England. The Bihar-born pacer was hammered for 44 runs in seven overs in the first innings of the second Test in Vizag. He managed to take a wicket in the second innings, but again leaked 26 runs in five overs. His sole wicket was that of England number 10 Shoaib Bashir

Mohammed Siraj was rested from the second Test to manage his workload management. Against the rumours suggesting that Jasprit Bumrah would be rested in Rajkot, the pacer spearhead was named in the playing eleven for the third consecutive time in the series.

Ravindra Jadeja also returned from his injury to feature in the third Test. Further, Kuldeep Yadav was picked ahead of Axar Patel as the third spinner alongside Jadeja and Ashwin. Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel made their India debut at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.

The fourth Test between India and England will be played in Ranchi from February 23. The final Test will be held in Dharamsala from March 7.