Ravichandran Ashwin praises Mukesh Kumar, calls him ‘Junior Shami’

Ravichandran Ashwin, a seasoned spinner from India, praised Mukesh Kumar, an Indian fast bowler known as the "Junior Shami."

During a talk on his official YouTube channel, Ashwin disclosed that when he first met Mohammed Siraj, he thought he would be Mohammed Shami's backup. But after seeing Mukesh Kumar, Ashwin's viewpoint changed, and he began to think that the 30-year-old might emerge as the 2023 ODI World Cup's top wicket-taker.

Ashwin emphasized how Mukesh, 30, and Shami, 33, had comparable bodies, heights, and wrist positions.


Apart from that, Ashwin complimented Mukesh on his excellent wrist action and ball backspin.

At first, I believed that Mohammad Siraj would take over as the junior Shami, but I'm starting to suspect Mukesh Kumar. "I call Shami Lalettan as a tribute to actor Mohanlal, who goes by Lalettan," Ashwin added. Shami is known by the name "Lala."

The number one Test bowler also reflected on the occasion when Waqar Younis, after seeing just two of Mukesh's deliveries, changed his career.

On July 20 of this year, Mukesh officially began his international cricket career. He has since participated in ten Indian matches and claimed nine wickets.

In the five-match T20I series against Australia, the 30-year-old has proven himself worthy of a position. While only giving up 29 runs in the series opening game, Mukesh was unable to take any wickets.