Mukesh Kumar outlines preparation for India A's New Zealand tour

Mukesh Kumar says regular matches have helped restore his bowling rhythm ahead of India A's New Zealand tour. The Bengal seamer discussed his preparation in a Times of India interview published on October 9.

After representing India against Zimbabwe in Harare, Kumar spent more than two years outside the national side. He has now been selected for India A and hopes to use the tour to move closer to an international return.

This season, he took 12 wickets in East Zone's Duleep Trophy title campaign before playing for Nottinghamshire. He then claimed eight wickets in the Irani Cup, helping Rest of India win the trophy. Before travelling to New Zealand, he is due to represent Bengal against Delhi in its Ranji Trophy opener.

Kumar said a calf injury prevented him from playing regularly last season. He now feels fitter and is particularly pleased with his seam position at release. He describes landing the ball on the seam as a central strength of his bowling.

To prepare for New Zealand conditions, he spoke with Mohammed Shami and Sourav Ganguly. His off-season work focused on fitness, line and length, and adding pace.

He stressed the need to monitor workloads, recognise tightness or stiffness and tell management when rest is needed. His comments reflect his own experience of returning to competitive cricket after injury.