Mukesh Kumar Joins Nottinghamshire for Final County Championship Matches
Mukesh Kumar Signs with Nottinghamshire
Nottinghamshire has announced the acquisition of Indian fast bowler Mukesh Kumar for the concluding two matches of the 2026 County Championship season.
Kumar, who has represented India in 26 international matches, including three Tests, has taken a total of 32 wickets for the national team. Originating from Bihar, the same state as 2025 overseas recruit Ishan Kishan, the right-arm bowler boasts an impressive record of 233 First-Class wickets at an average of 21.79, according to the Nottinghamshire website. In his second Test match, he achieved remarkable first-innings figures of 2/0 during a January 2024 victory over South Africa in Cape Town, where the opposition was dismissed for just 55 runs.
Kumar's Domestic and IPL Experience
In Indian domestic cricket, Kumar plays for Bengal and has been a part of the Delhi Capitals squad in the IPL for the last four seasons. He has recorded 10 five-wicket hauls in First-Class cricket, with his best performance being 10/50 against his home state of Bihar during a Ranji Trophy match in February 2024.
Kumar Eager to Embrace County Cricket
"I am thrilled to join Nottinghamshire at such a pivotal moment in the season. I look forward to arriving in England and challenging myself in county cricket. My goal is to contribute significantly to Nottinghamshire's success and to collaborate with the coaches and my new teammates," Kumar expressed.
This will be Kumar's first experience playing for a domestic team outside of India. He added, "Playing in England presents a great challenge, and I am eager to represent a new team in different conditions. I will give my all while with Nottinghamshire, and I hope we can achieve success together."
Head Coach Praises Kumar's Signing
Peter Moores, the Head Coach of Nottinghamshire, remarked, "We are very excited to welcome Mukesh at such a crucial stage of the season. He comes to us after a competitive outing in the Duleep Trophy Final, where he played a key role in leading East Zone to victory.
"Mukesh's caliber as a bowler is unquestionable, especially considering the fierce competition to secure a spot in the Indian team. It’s fantastic for us to have a player who is match-ready and in peak competitive form ahead of two significant matches for the club," Moores concluded.