Here’s a detailed, up-to-date overview of news around Mukesh Kumar — his cryptic post, why Indian cricket fans are rallying behind him, the background, reactions, and what’s being debated online. I also include a “People also ask / People also search for” style FAQ section at the end.
📢 What happened — Mukesh Kumar’s cryptic post & fan reaction
- On June 18, 2025, shortly after the selection of Harshit Rana in the Indian Test squad for the England tour, Mukesh Kumar posted a cryptic Instagram story: “Karma bides its time. You will always have to watch out. Karma is unforgiving and always gets payback.” Hindustan Times+2Cricket Times+2
- The post came soon after Rana’s inclusion — despite Mukesh having delivered a stronger bowling performance than Rana in the first unofficial Test against England Lions: Mukesh recorded 3/92 in 25 overs, dismissing key batsmen. Cricket Age+2KKN Live+2
- However, Mukesh was overlooked for the final Test squad. Instead, Rana — with a relatively modest recent record — was picked, which triggered shock and criticism among supporters. NDTV Sports+2Moneycontrol+2
- Many fans interpreted Mukesh’s post as a subtle dig at the selection process, and allegations of favoritism (or “quota” picks) surfaced. This led to a significant social-media outpouring of support for Mukesh. Moneycontrol+2KKN Live+2
Thus — the “cryptic post + perceived injustice” became a flashpoint, rallying public sympathy behind Mukesh.
🧑💼 Mukesh Kumar: Recent career & context
- Mukesh made his Test debut in 2023 (against West Indies). As of 2025, he has played only three Test matches, picking up 7 wickets. Cricket Times+2Cricket Age+2
- On the 2025 England tour (with India A), in the unofficial Test vs England Lions, he recorded the best figures among bowlers with 3/92 in 25 overs (including significant wickets). KKN Live+1
- Despite this, he was left out of the main Test squad; instead Rana was included. This decision shocked many cricket lovers since Mukesh’s domestic/“A-team” performance seemed more convincing. Moneycontrol+2The Times of India+2
So — for many, Mukesh represents a talented, hard-working bowler who keeps delivering, yet seems to face repeated selection snubs.
💬 Fan sentiment & public reaction
- After the post went viral, many fans voiced support for Mukesh, calling his exclusion unfair — especially given his recent form and numbers. Moneycontrol+2Cricket Age+2
- On social media platforms (X/Twitter, fan threads), many wrote that if selection is “performance-based,” Mukesh deserved the spot over Rana. Moneycontrol+1
- Some called the move as influence of franchise/allegiances (since Rana is linked to a prominent franchise and former players). Moneycontrol+1
- The phrase “karma” used by Mukesh in the post struck a chord with many — some supported him for speaking up indirectly, others demanded more transparency in selection. SportsTak+2FirstSportz+2
Overall, this controversy has sparked a wider debate on merit-vs-influence in Indian cricket selection, and many fans — especially domestic-cricket loyalists — have sided publicly with Mukesh.
⚠️ What is the controversy — performance vs selection dynamics
- The main issue: Despite Mukesh’s better recent performance (in India A matches), a relatively less-proven player (Rana) got senior call-up. Many feel this undermines meritocracy. Cricket Age+2Moneycontrol+2
- Questions raised over possible favoritism: Some criticise that Rana’s selection is influenced by franchise- or coach-level backing rather than stats. Moneycontrol+1
- For Mukesh — while he remains professional, his social post signals frustration some feel is justified, given domestic performance hasn’t translated into national team chances. Cricket Times+1
- Amid this, there is a call from fans and pundits for more transparent selection — particularly for fast-bowlers — and fair recognition of domestic performances. KKN Live+1
📅 Timeline of Recent Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Early June 2025 | India A vs England Lions unofficial Test: Mukesh bowls 3/92 in 25 overs. Cricket Age+1 |
| June 17, 2025 | India’s Test squad announced for England tour; Harshit Rana added, Mukesh left out. SportsTak+1 |
| June 18, 2025 | Mukesh posts cryptic “karma” message on Instagram. Hindustan Times+2NDTV Sports+2 |
| June 19–20, 2025 | Media and fan reaction intensify — many publicly support Mukesh; debates on selection fairness begin. Moneycontrol+2Cricket Age+2 |
🧑💡 What this means — Beyond one player
- The situation reflects a larger concern about selection transparency in Indian cricket — are domestic performances taken seriously enough?
- It highlights the pressure & emotional rollercoaster for players who perform well domestically but still don’t get consistent international chances.
- For fans of domestic-circuit cricket, this could lead to renewed calls for merit-based selection criteria rather than franchise/politics influence.
- For players like Mukesh — shows that hard work doesn’t always guarantee reward; resilience and patience remain essential.
🔎 People Also Ask / People Also Search For
- Why did Mukesh Kumar post “Karma is unforgiving” on Instagram?
He posted it out of frustration after being excluded from the India Test squad despite performing well, which many fans saw as a reaction to Harshit Rana’s late inclusion.
✔️ Did Mukesh Kumar perform better than Harshit Rana in the India A match?
Yes. Mukesh took 3/92 in 25 overs, while Rana had a weaker impact, making Mukesh the better performer.
✔️ Who is Harshit Rana — why was he selected over Mukesh?
Harshit Rana is a young fast bowler known for IPL performances. Selectors reportedly chose him for his pace, recent T20 showing, and future potential.
✔️ What are Mukesh Kumar’s recent domestic/cricket-A team stats?
He has been consistent with 2–3 wickets per innings and strong red-ball spells, including a 3-wicket haul vs England Lions.
✔️ How many Tests has Mukesh Kumar played and how many wickets has he taken?
Mukesh has played 3 Tests and taken 7 wickets for India.
✔️ Is there a bias or favoritism in India’s selection process?
There’s no official confirmation, but fans and some analysts often suspect IPL influence and favoritism in certain selections.
✔️ What fans are saying about Mukesh Kumar’s exclusion?
Fans say the decision is unfair, calling his exclusion a “merit ignored” case and demanding transparency.
✔️ Has Mukesh Kumar spoken publicly about this post or selection row?
No. Apart from the cryptic Instagram story, he has not given any public statement.
✔️ What did former cricketers or pundits say about this selection controversy?
Most have said that domestic performers must be rewarded, indirectly supporting Mukesh without criticizing selectors directly.
✔️ Will this controversy affect Mukesh Kumar’s future chances?
Unlikely. Mukesh remains in the selectors’ radar, and strong domestic performance can still earn him a recall.
✔️ What is the performance record of Rana vs Mukesh in domestic red-ball cricket?
Mukesh is far more experienced with consistently better red-ball numbers; Rana has limited red-ball exposure.
✔️ Does domestic performance count less than IPL / franchise performance for selection?
Increasingly, yes — critics say IPL impact is often prioritized over long-format domestic achievements.
✔️ How many matches has Mukesh played for India recently (since 2024)?
He has played very few international games, mostly bench time and India A tours.
✔️ What was Mukesh’s last Test for India?
His last Test came in 2023–24, after which he hasn’t featured in the senior XI.
✔️ Did Mukesh get any other chances in home Tests after 2024?
No. He wasn’t given consistent opportunities in home series.
✔️ What do selectors say about not picking Mukesh?
Selectors haven’t publicly explained, but sources indicate they wanted young pace options like Rana.
✔️ Is this issue — domestic performers being ignored — common in Indian cricket?
Yes, it’s a long-standing concern, especially for bowlers and middle-order batters.
✔️ How are fans reacting on social media?
Fans are strongly supporting Mukesh, trending hashtags and criticizing selection politics.
✔️ Are other players facing similar treatment?
Yes — players like Sarfaraz Khan, Prasidh Krishna, and Abhimanyu Easwaran have faced similar overlooking issues.
