Mukesh Kumar was released from India's squad for the third test

India’s right-arm bowler Mukesh Kumar, who was part of India’s playing XI for the second test match against England at Visakhapatnam, has been removed from India’s squad for the third test. Mukesh Kumar didn’t have an impressive time with the ball during the second test match, as the right-arm bowler took only one wicket in the match and was pretty expensive in terms of leaking runs during India’s first innings, though India won the match by 106 runs courtesy of Jasprit Bumrah’s impressive bowling performance. BCCI released a statement regarding Mukesh Kumar’s absence during the third test and stated that the bowler has to join his team Bengal for the Ranji Trophy match.

“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,”
BCCI in an official statement.

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

India is playing with two test debutants, Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel. Both right-handers are going to make their debuts in international test cricket today. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj would lead the pace attack from India’s side this time. Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav are in the playing XI. Ravichandran Ashwin is only one wicket away from 500 test wickets. Ravindra Jadeja is returning to the team after missing the second test due to injury, while KL Rahul, who also got injured during the first test match, is still out of the team, and it is speculated that the right-hand batter will return in the fourth test.