Being the first choice or second choice opener does not matter to Mukund. Find out why?

Mukund batted a brilliant 81 in Day Three at Galle. File Pic
Mukund batted a brilliant 81 in Day Three at Galle.
File Pic

Debasis Sen, Galle: For Abhinav Mukund, the choice of being the first or second opener does not matter. The Tamil Nadu batsman who scored a brilliant 81 runs in the second innings at Galle today made the most of the lost opportunity in the first innings. The 27 year old narrowly missed a hundred, which would have been a perfect statement to his critics.

“I had the opportunity to do something in this Test. I don’t want to think ahead to the next Test. Being the first-choice opener or second-choice opener doesn’t make a difference. When you get a chance in the middle, I want to capitalise on it,” said Mukund after the days play.

It is somewhat baffling to see a player of his calibre missing out on international cricket for so long. It could not have been easy for him but he has weathered the storm and tried to make the most of the limited opportunities. Since making his debut in West Indies in 2011 he faded out after an ordinary start as Murali Vijay and some years later, Shikhar Dhawan sealed their spots as Test openers for India. Recalled into the team for the Test series against Australia, Mukund failed to capitalise on his chances again but he was drafted into the squad for the Sri Lanka tour. Vijay’s injury and KL Rahul’s illness meant Mukund retained his place at the top.

“I don’t want to talk about it. I have gone through my ups and downs, and that is a long time back. I don’t even want to get there. I am happy I am back in the squad. I am disappointed I didn’t get to three figures today but I am happy I want to be out in the middle for India and keep performing,” said Mukund.

The Tamil Nadu cricketer still rues the catch he missed to get rid of Australia captain Steve Smith in the Pune test match. Eventually that missed chance cost India the match. According to Mukund, “I was quite disappointed after the Pune Test because I dropped a sitter off Steven Smith. It is one of those catches that should be held on any day. I felt really bad. Ninety-nine times out of hundred I would have caught it.”

He took a blinder yesterday to remove Dickwella and also initiated a run out today.

“I think the catch and the run-out did give me a lot of confidence. I have worked really hard in the off season. I wanted to improve on my close-in fielding and also my batting. I have put in the hard yards,” said the opener.

Mukund feels the wicket is going to assist more turn as the game progresses on the fourth and fifth days.

“When the ball got older, there was assistance for Dilruwan Perera. There was turn towards the end of the day. There are a couple of balls that are skidding on and going. I think there will be a lot more assistance for Ashwin and Jadeja in the second innings than there was yesterday or today,” feel Abhinav.

Talking about his century partnership with Virat, Mukund said, “I have batted with Virat during my U19 days. But then it was a long time ago. I am 27, he is 28. The understanding? What can I say? What do I tell him? Under-19 days… Okay,” signs off Mukund.