INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Experienced Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin commended the Indian fast bowler Mukesh Kumar, referring to him as the 'Junior Shami.'In a
discussion on his official YouTube channel, Ashwin revealed that initially, upon meeting Mohammed Siraj, he anticipated that he will become
the understudy of Mohammed Shami
However, Ashwin's perspective shifted when he saw Mukesh Kumar, leading him to believe that the 30-year-old could be the emerging
counterpart to the leading wicket-taker of the 2023 ODI World Cup.Ashwin highlighted the similarities in build, height and wrist position
between Mukesh, aged 30, and the 33-year-old Shami.Additionally, Ashwin praised Mukesh for possessing a remarkable wrist action and
impressive backspin on the ball."I initially thought Mohammad Siraj would become the junior Shami, but I now feel it could be Mukesh Kumar
Shami is called 'Lala' and as a tribute to the actor Mohanlal who is called Lalettan, I call Shami Lalettan," said Ashwin."Mukesh has a
similar build, similar height and outstanding wrist position
He has that great whip of the wrist and terrific backspin on the ball
He has a very nice straight and nice alignment," Ashwin said.The top-ranked Test bowler also reminisced about the moment when Waqar Younis
transformed Mukesh's career after observing just two of his deliveries."Imagine, you are going to bowl in front of Waqar Younis, and you
They had called out his name but he wasn't there! He returned, waited for 30 minutes and told them that his name wasn't called out
It was then that Waqar Younis, who was about to leave, told him to bowl a couple of balls
Those two deliveries changed his life and he is now bowling for India," Ashwin added.Mukesh marked his entry into international cricket on
Since then, he has played 10 matches for India, securing nine wickets.The 30-year-old has earned a spot in the five-match T20I series
In the inaugural match of the series, Mukesh did not manage to claim any wickets but conceded only 29 runs.(With ANI inputs)
