Mukesh Kumar stirs controversy with 'karma is unforgiving' post after India Test call-up

India's fast bowler Mukesh Kumar has ignited debate with a cryptic Instagram post about karma, posted shortly after his selection for the upcoming five-match Test series against England.

The post read, "Karma bides its time. You will always have to watch out. Karma is unforgiving and always gets payback." This message has raised eyebrows amid his recent performances and team dynamics.

Mukesh, who has played three Test matches claiming seven wickets, was recently part of the India A squad touring England. In the unofficial Test against England Lions at Canterbury, he took three wickets but was criticized for a less impactful outing.

Despite this, he was added to the main Test squad, a move that has sparked speculation about internal team tensions or selection controversies.

Alongside Mukesh, fast bowler Harshit Rana was also included in the squad following his strong showing for India A, though his selection has faced criticism from former India pacer Dodda Ganesh, who questioned the preference over other players like Anshul Kamboj.

"Anshul Kamboj should have been added to the squad. Don't understand this obsession with Harshit Rana," Ganesh remarked.

The pace attack for the England series is bolstered by established names such as Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur, and debutant Arshdeep Singh.

Mukesh's social media post, coming just a day after his squad inclusion, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative as India prepares for the series opener at Headingley.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the squad additions, signaling confidence in the pace battery despite mixed recent performances.

As the series approaches, all eyes will be on Mukesh Kumar to see if his on-field performances can match the intensity of his off-field statements.

Mukesh Kumar sparked controversy with a cryptic Instagram post about karma shortly after being named to India's Test squad for the England series. Despite mixed performances, including three wickets in an unofficial Test, his message hinted at underlying tensions within the team or selection process.