"Patience and intent is the key:" Bengal's Mukesh Kumar has some advice for young cricketers

Mukesh Kumar, a name that has been resonating among cricket fans in India after the IPL 2023 Auction on Friday. The Bengal pacer has earned a whopping 5.5 cr bid from Delhi Capitals in the auction and now has become the highest-paid IPL player ever from Bengal surpassing Sourav Ganguly. He is also the second most expensive uncapped player of this year's auction. But, his story is not all about success. It is about patience and intent. Mukesh shared his story in a telephonic conversation with Sportz Point from National Cricket Academy in Bangalore.

Read Also: IPL 2023 Auction: Most expensive uncapped players

Mukesh had a terrific 2022 and everything has fallen into place for him this year. From getting selected for the Irani trophy, and playing for India A to getting his maiden India call-up, Mukesh has seen everything happening for him. "Yes, 2022 has been great for me. Everything that I wanted to happen with me has happened this year. I am grateful for that," Mukesh told Sportz Point in an exclusive interview.

"I knew Delhi would bid for me:" Mukesh Kumar

From going unsold in the 2022 auction to earning 5.5 crores in the 2023 auction, Mukesh Kumar has seen it all. Thus, he knows there will be a lot of expectations from him. Moreover, he is also aware of the fact that he will be under the scanner every time he runs into bowl.

"I was unsold last season. But I did well in the Delhi Capitals trials and that's why they called me up as a net bowler for them. I did well there as well. So, I knew they will bid for me."

"Yes, there will be expectations from me. The things I learned from Ajit Agarkar sir, Pravin Amre and Ricky Ponting sir will help me going into the season," Mukesh added.

"Without Vision 2020 there would not have been any Mukesh Kumar"

But everything was not as smooth as this for Mukesh Kumar a few years back. It was the Cricket Association of Bengal who took care of him which helped him be the best version of himself. Mukesh remembers those days when he used to get up early in the morning just to book a pitch in Victoria Memorial ground to play tennis-cricket with his friends and how then Vision 2020 changed everything for him.

"I still remember how I used to tie a cord in my hands and leave it outside the window so that my friends can wake me up whenever I failed to wake up early in the morning. We used to play tennis cricket the whole day."

"I am thankful to CAB for all the help. Sourav (Ganguly) sir, Rano (Ranadeb Bose) sir, Joydeep (Mukherjee) sir and the whole CAB took care of me. Provided me with nutrition and training. Without Vision 2020 there would not have been any Mukesh Kumar," the Bengal pacer expressed.

"I used to watch and idolise Brett Lee"

Just like many pacers back in the day, Mukesh idolised Brett Lee during his early days. He now wants to keep learning to become more lethal as a pacer. "I want to keep learning every day. Making improvements every day will be key for me. In Delhi Capitals there will be legends like Ricky Ponting and Shane Watson. Even in Bangalore here I am working with Sairaj Bahutule sir to make myself better. I even call Rano sir whenever I need some help," he added.

But, Mukesh is aware of the fact that there is still one thing due to achieve in domestic cricket. That is the Ranji Trophy. Bengal has not won a Ranji Trophy since the 1989-90 season and Mukesh wants to win that trophy for all the Bengal fans.

"We have done well as a team. We played the final in the 2019-20 season and played the semis last year. This year everyone has contributed as well. So, I hope this year we will be able to win that trophy for Bengal and the whole fans of Bengal."

Mukesh Kumar

After going through all the ups and downs of life, Mukesh now has a message for the young cricketers of Bengal who wants to make it big. The pacer believes if the youngsters never give up and practice with intent, they will surely have what they want to achieve.

"The best thing is that CAB has a great league tournament here in Kolkata. So, if youngsters never give up and practice with intent, they will be successful one day. Patience and intent is the key to success".