Mukesh Kumar: Army Dreams, Father Who Hated Cricket, Struggles, Cricketing Trials

Mukesh Kumar's dalliance with cricket began in 2008-09

when he participated in a trial called "Pratibha ki Khoj" in the Gopalganj region of Bihar. 

Kumar took 34 wickets during the course of seven games in the 25-over format. 

The next year, he competed in the BCCI's Associate & Affiliate Tournament on behalf of Bihar U-19.

Former Gopalganj district cricket team captain and early Kumar scout Amit Singh recalls 

how Mukesh would cycle 30 kilometres every day to and from the academy to hone his cricket skills.

His home town of Kakarkund was about 15 kilometres away (Gopalganj).