India have released pacer Mukesh Kumar from the squad ahead of the third Test against England and has instructed him to join Bengal for their Ranji Trophy match against Bihar on Friday.
Mukesh, who featured in the second Test in Visakhapatnam, will later re-join the Indian squad for the fourth Test scheduled in Ranchi starting from February 23.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Mukesh's release in a statement, stating, "Mr. Mukesh Kumar has been released from the India squad for the third Test against England in Rajkot. He will join his Ranji Trophy team, Bengal, for the team’s next fixture before linking up with Team India in Ranchi."
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During his appearance in Visakhapatnam, the 30-year-old bowler was used sparingly. Kumar registered figures of 0/44 in 7 overs in the first innings and 1/26 in 5 overs in the second innings. His sole wicket was that of England's number 10 batsman, Shoaib Bashir.
The upcoming Ranji Trophy match between Bengal and Bihar is scheduled to take place at the iconic Eden Gardens, providing Mukesh with an opportunity to represent his state team before rejoining the national squad for the crucial fourth Test against England.