KKN Gurugram Desk | With less than 24 hours remaining before the much-anticipated India vs England Test series 2025 kicks off, the cricketing world was caught off-guard—not by a squad announcement or injury update, but by an Instagram story. Indian pacer Mukesh Kumar, who was not selected for the senior squad, shared a cryptic post related to karma, sparking widespread speculation among fans and cricket analysts alike.

Many believe the post subtly targets the recent surprise selection of young pacer Harshit Rana, who, despite an average performance in India A matches, was named in the main squad. The timing of Mukesh’s post has raised eyebrows and reignited debates around selection transparency, favoritism, and performance-based merit in Indian cricket.

Mukesh Kumar’s Ominous Words on Karma

On Wednesday evening, Mukesh Kumar posted an enigmatic message on his Instagram account that read:

“Karma gives you time. You always have to be careful. Karma never forgives and always delivers what one deserves.”

While the post made no direct references, its context was hard to ignore. Mukesh, who last played a Test for India in 2024, has been overlooked for the senior squad touring England in 2025. He did, however, feature in a single match for India A on this tour and picked up three wickets. Despite the performance, he was neither picked for the next A-game nor the intra-squad match.

Meanwhile, Harshit Rana, who is known to be a favorite of Gautam Gambhir, received a sudden call-up to the senior squad, sparking chatter on social media about possible favoritism.

What Led to the Controversy?

The controversy took shape due to a combination of circumstances:

• Mukesh Kumar has been a consistent domestic performer, and his omission from the senior squad was already a topic of discussion.

• He had a decent outing in India A’s tour match, claiming three wickets, which many believed warranted further opportunities.

• Harshit Rana, on the other hand, had a less impactful performance. He took just one wicket against England Lions and failed to impress in the intra-squad game.

• His selection came just a day before the start of the Test series, surprising many fans and pundits.

The post from Mukesh, though not directly naming anyone, came at a time when questions about Rana’s inclusion were already circulating. It didn’t take long for fans to draw conclusions.

Fan Reactions: Is There Favoritism in Selection?

Cricket fans were quick to read between the lines. Twitter, Instagram, and cricket forums were abuzz with speculation:

“Is this a dig at Harshit Rana and Gautam Gambhir?”
“Mukesh deserves better. Why play favorites?”
“Selectors need to explain the Rana inclusion.”

While some criticized the apparent favoritism, others defended the selectors’ choices, citing long-term planning and strategic decisions for the series. However, the lack of official communication regarding selection criteria left the field open for conjecture.

Mukesh Kumar’s Recent Performance

Mukesh Kumar has been part of India’s red-ball setup since 2023. Though not a regular starter, he has:

• Played 6 Tests, taking 18 wickets

• Delivered economical spells in domestic cricket, especially in the Ranji Trophy

• Been a reliable backup pacer, often training with the senior squad

On this England tour, his three-wicket haul in the India A match showcased his form. Given the pace-friendly conditions in England, many expected him to be included in the main squad.

Harshit Rana: The Sudden Inclusion

Harshit Rana, a promising young fast bowler, is known for his aggressive style and IPL heroics. Under Gautam Gambhir’s mentorship at KKR, Rana’s career has rapidly progressed. However:

• His red-ball experience is minimal

• He took just one wicket against England Lions

• His intra-squad match performance was below expectations

The decision to include him, especially ahead of a seasoned bowler like Mukesh, has led to the current backlash.

Gautam Gambhir’s Influence?

While Gautam Gambhir’s association with Indian cricket is deep-rooted, especially after being appointed India’s head coach in 2025, critics argue that his influence may be impacting selections.

Gambhir has previously backed young talent in IPL, often giving chances to underdogs. While his approach has been successful in the shorter format, the Test arena demands experience, particularly against a side like England.

The question now is whether Gambhir’s preferences are being allowed to bypass performance metrics, especially when Test cricket is at stake.

Selection Transparency: An Ongoing Debate

Mukesh Kumar’s post has reignited a broader discussion in Indian cricket: Is there enough transparency in team selection? Over the years, several cricketers—both junior and senior—have voiced frustrations, though rarely in public.

While the BCCI and selectors have often emphasized performance-based selection, episodes like these weaken public trust. In a cricket-loving nation like India, every selection decision is scrutinized, and communication gaps only add fuel to the fire.

As India prepares to face England in a high-stakes five-Test series, internal murmurs like these could be distracting. Team India, under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, needs unity and focus.

For Mukesh Kumar, the path ahead may still hold promise. At 31, he is far from retirement and could bounce back stronger. For now, however, his cryptic message serves as a poignant reminder that performance alone doesn’t always guarantee selection—and sometimes, social media becomes the only outlet for professional frustration.