5 Reasons why the Sri Lanka series is a make or break for Abhinav Mukund’s career

The Indian team for the tour to Sri Lanka has now been announced. The Men in Blue will be playing a 3-Test, 5-ODI and a one-off T20 series against their neighbours over a period of 7 weeks - which will begin on the 26th of July till and end on 6th September.

Abhinav Mukund, who has been a part of the India’s Test squad in their previous series against Australia, has also found a place on the team - and this series might turn out to be pivotal in the career of the talented left-handed batsman from Tamil Nadu.

We take a look at five reasons why the Sri Lankan series is a make or break for Abhinav Mukund

#5 Age may become a factor

Cricket is a sport where players approximately kick-start their career in their early 20s and go to play till their mid-30s. Thereafter, cricketers start planning to hang their boots up from international cricket. Age is thus crucial for a cricketer in order to shape up their career.

Abhinav Mukund did commence his venture at 21, but struggled to stay put in his position in International cricket. The left-handed batsman is now 27 years old and this might be his last opportunity to show his prowess with the willow at the highest level.

There is no doubting the player's talent, but it needs to be substantiated into something productive for his career to develop. If Mukund fails to deliver against Sri Lanka, then it might be curtains for his International career.

Abhinav Mukund has struggled in his limited Test career

#4 A limited Test career

Test cricket is arguably the most demanding format in cricket, especially in terms of physical fitness and consistent performances. If one fails to sustain the rigours of the longest format of the sport, then it’s hard to keep his/her position in the team.

Abhinav Mukund made his debut way back in 2011 when India toured the West Indies for a 3-match Test series. However, he managed only 147 runs at an average of 24.5, not impressive figures by any stretch of the imagination.

Nevertheless, he got another opportunity during India’s tour of England in the same year, but failed miserably in the series. In March he played his comeback Test match, but again tumbled for a couple of low scores.

Abhinav Mukund after getting out for a duck

#3 India have established openers

Getting a berth in the Indian team or for that matter any team is no cakewalk for any player. The competition is cut throat in the domestic circuit and every other player is eyeing for a spot in the Indian team.

There’s no dearth of batting talent in India and the records created by Indian batsmen over the years exemplifies it. Even with loads of runs in their kitty, the likes of Priyank Panchal and Manpreet Juneja have to warm the benches.

It will be difficult for him to find a place in the team as India already has two established openers in K.L Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan. Nevertheless, if he goes on to play a Test match, he has to grab the opportunity with hands.

Abhinav Mukund made a comeback after six years

#2 A comeback after six years

Mukund first played for India in 2011 after which he got an opportunity in 2017 to represent the national team. A period of six years is a long period in a cricketer’s career and Abhinav Mukund has taken that much time to make a comeback in the Indian team.

The pressure now will be on the Tamil Nadu batsman to put on a good show if he gets an opportunity. Although it is likely Shikhar Dhawan and K.L Rahul will open the batting for India in the series, Mukund has to stay positive in thinking of getting into the playing XI.

Murali Vijay, one of India’s prolific run scorers in Test cricket, is currently suffering from a wrist injury, which has eventually helped Mukund in getting into the squad.

Nevertheless, Mukund simply cannot afford another slip-up as it might turn out to be a turning point of his career.

Abhinav Mukund has to step up to plate against Sri Lanka

#1 Playing a lower-ranked Sri Lankan side

The Sri Lankan squad has of late looked way below par and has struggled against Zimbabwe in their erstwhile one-off Test match. They eventually came out victorious by 3 wickets, but had to struggle to accomplish the victory.

Apart from Rangana Herath, their bowling lacks penetration power and a killer punch, both essential elements for Test cricket. Against a not-so-strong bowling attack, Abhinav Mukund has the golden opportunity to pile on runs and make a case for himself.

Also, the series will be played in sub-continent conditions, which might help Mukund to adapt to the pitch and atmosphere. This is the best chance for Mukund to at least stay in the radar of the Indian selectors.