Mukesh Kumar’s absence was felt in the 3rd T20I between India and Australia in Guwahati on November 28, as the pacer was granted leave for his marriage. Captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed Mukesh’s absence, humorously referring to his marriage as the “biggest game” of his life. Avesh Khan was brought in as Mukesh’s replacement for the match at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially acknowledged Mukesh Kumar’s request for leave and announced that the seasoned pacer would rejoin the squad ahead of the 4th T20I scheduled in Raipur on December 1. To bolster the pace attack for the remaining T20I series, India included Deepak Chahar in the squad, with the series concluding in Bengaluru on December 3.

Update: Fast bowler Mukesh Kumar made a request to BCCI to be released from India’s squad ahead of the third T20I against Australia in Guwahati. Mukesh is getting married and has been granted leave for the duration of his wedding festivities.

He will join the squad ahead of the…

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 28, 2023

Mukesh Kumar’s Wedding Leave and India’s Tactical Adjustments

A statement from the BCCI clarified the situation, stating, “Fast bowler Mukesh Kumar made a request to BCCI to be released from India’s squad ahead of the third T20I against Australia in Guwahati. Mukesh is getting married and has been granted leave for the duration of his wedding festivities. He will join the squad ahead of the 4th T20I in Raipur.”

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Mukesh Kumar had proven to be a reliable bowler in the T20I series, earning the trust of Captain Suryakumar Yadav to handle crucial death overs. In the first T20I, Mukesh played a pivotal role by executing precise yorkers, conceding only 5 runs in the final over of the Australian innings, contributing to India’s defensive efforts as the visitors posted a total of 208.