‘Kala in hand’: How Mukesh Kumar became Delhi Capitals’ first-choice bowler

New Delhi: Many were surprised when Delhi Capitals (DC) took on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Mukesh KumarSelected into the starting lineup. The reason is simple. Fans, pundits and reporters in the press box are all looking forward to the IPL debut of Aquib Nabi, who had a stellar domestic season and was acquired by DC for Rs 840 crore.But many people forget Mukesh He has been with DC for a longer time and proved his worth since joining the team for Rs 550 crore in IPL 2023. He was also a bastion at home and earned a call-up to the Indian team and later featured in all three formats for India during the 2023 Caribbean tour.

36 pitches in two games isn’t a large sample size, but in six rounds, he’s taken 20 penalties. His length troubled Risha Pant against Lucknow, who bowled 11 dot balls in 18 deliveries.“It’s not just one or two games. It’s a 14-match tournament. If the team doesn’t support you, it becomes difficult,” Delhi told reporters after their six-wicket win over Mumbai Indians at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

In the afternoon session against Mumbai, he started at full length, looking for movement but was denied Ryan Rickton. Two balls later, he again claimed a wicket and was sent for another boundary. The crafty pacer then pulled back his length, leaving Rickton struggling on the Test line, and was rewarded with a wicket. He then deceived Tilak Varma with a change of pace, completing a sharp catch and delivery. His efforts were praised by Jasprit Bumrah, who referred to him as “Mukesh McGrath” in lighthearted conversation after the match.It has been a difficult 12 months for the 32-year-old. He suffered a succession of injuries, first with a hamstring problem and then with a calf strain, which forced him to miss much of the domestic season.

Before the season started, Mukesh had a long chat with DC bowling coach Munaf Patel, who reminded him of the art he possesses.“He was always talking about my skills. He kept telling me What I do in your hands is something no one else can do. (The art you have is very unique). He has always said that I am the best bowler,” Mukesh said during a pre-season interaction.

The kingpin from Bihar’s Gopalganj district knows how to prove doubters wrong. He played cricket in Bihar against the wishes of his late father Kashinath Singh. He moved to Kolkata in 2012 to support his father’s struggling taxi business. But frustrated with the transport job, he started playing second-division matches at Independence Square for Rs 400-500.Mukesh was former Bengal head coach Arun Lal’s favorite because of his ability to bowl long term. Lal called him a captain’s dream and a batsman’s nightmare because he doesn’t give them an inch of space.The secret to Kumar’s ability to play for long periods of time is his desire to learn and improve. These characteristics caught the attention of VVS Laxman, Waqar Younis and Muttiah Muralitharan in the Vision 2020 program organized by the Bangladesh Cricket Association in 2014.

After the Mumbai game, he admitted that he had closely observed Josh Hazlewood, Royal Challengers Bangalore’s ace last season, especially his ability to bat without fear of runs.“Last year, I looked at the way Hazlewood bowled. He consistently hit length in Test matches. Our coach advised me to focus on my strengths and target that area. It’s a difficult length to score, especially with the ball moving. If someone hits you on a good day, that’s fine, but generally it’s a safe and effective option,” he said.Mukesh last played for India in 2024 but is targeting a comeback.

“I spoke to the selectors,” Mukesh said of his performance as the highest wicket-taker during India A’s tour of Australia in late 2024, ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Test series.“The team had already been selected but it was good to be with the team. I spoke to the selectors and they said if I perform well in domestic cricket and the Indian Cricket League, I will make a comeback.”The dynamic pacer has had an inspiring journey, something even MS Dhoni admitted when she met the former India captain in his first IPL season.

Now, as Delhi Capitals look to build momentum, Mukesh Kumar is no longer just filling a spot in the XI. He dictates the terms with quiet authority. In a format dominated by big hits and greater fame, his story is a reminder that control still matters. One run at a time, Mukesh is not only rebuilding his career but also reshaping the game.