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Mukesh Kumar: The Unyielding Force Behind Delhi Capitals’ Bowling Success in IPL 2025. Delhi Capitals have soared high in IPL 2025 with a dynamic mix of young talent and seasoned campaigners. At the heart of their bowling success is Mukesh Kumar, the 31-year-old pacer whose discipline, pace, and subtle variations have made him a vital cog in DC’s machinery.
Early Struggles and Rise Through Domestic Cricket
Born in Gopalganj, Bihar, Mukesh Kumar’s cricketing story started far away from the glitz of stadiums. After shifting base to West Bengal, he earned a place in the Vision 2020 program under Sourav Ganguly’s mentorship, eventually debuting for Bengal in 2015.
Mukesh’s consistent red-ball performances in Ranji Trophy and India A tours earned him a reputation as a steady workhorse. His first-class bowling average below 22 caught the eye of IPL franchises.
The IPL Journey: From Rookie to Game-Changer
Mukesh Kumar made his IPL debut in 2023 for Delhi Capitals, and although his first season was quiet, the management showed faith in his potential. The reward came in 2024 when he snared 17 wickets in 10 matches, often delivering breakthroughs in high-pressure moments.
DC retained him for IPL 2025 at ₹8 crore, a sign of trust that he is repaying in style.
IPL 2025 Stats (As of April 13)
- Matches: 4
- Wickets: 3
- Economy Rate: 9.18
- Best Bowling: 1/22
- Average: 33.67
While the raw numbers may not seem intimidating, it’s Mukesh’s role that makes him irreplaceable. Bowling during the toughest phases—often after the powerplay or just before the death—his containment overs allow wicket-takers like Kuldeep Yadav and Mitchell Starc to attack freely.
Key Highlights and Contributions
- Against MI: Delivered a tight 1/22, breaking the Rohit-Rickelton stand.
- Against RCB: Bowled the crucial 15th over, stalling momentum just when Rajat Patidar was accelerating.
- Against KKR: Although wicketless, maintained excellent control over the line and exploited the slower pitch.
DC’s Bowling Plan – And Mukesh’s Role
Delhi Capitals’ bowling arsenal in IPL 2025 features pace upfront and spin through the middle. Mukesh Kumar is the transition bowler, tasked with bridging those two stages. His ability to bowl slower cutters, hard lengths, and occasional yorkers adds dimension to DC’s bowling blueprint.
Head coach Ricky Ponting emphasized in a recent interview: “Mukesh’s role is underrated. He’s bowling the tough overs with maturity, and that’s helping us dominate matches.”
Expert Views
- Sunil Gavaskar: “Mukesh might not grab headlines, but he does the dirty work—he’s a captain’s delight.”
- Simon Doull: “I see a bit of Bhuvneshwar in Mukesh. He doesn’t look menacing, but he’s always in the game.”
What’s Next?
With Delhi Capitals currently leading the points table, and Mitchell Starc spearheading early attacks, Mukesh Kumar’s contribution will be crucial in pressure scenarios—especially during knockout phases where holding nerves becomes the key.
The national selectors too are keeping a close eye on him. A solid IPL 2025 campaign could push Mukesh back into the T20I squad for India’s tours in mid-2025.
From humble beginnings in Bihar to emerging as Delhi’s go-to pacer, Mukesh Kumar’s evolution has been about perseverance and precision. In a tournament where batters rule headlines, it’s his quiet determination that could become Delhi Capitals’ secret weapon.
Stay tuned with Hindustan Herald for in-depth profiles, post-match analyses, and IPL 2025’s biggest stories.
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