Nottinghamshire have strengthened their bowling attack for the upcoming matches by securing India seamer Mukesh Kumar for the last two matches of the 2026 Rothesay County Championship. The 32-year-old
right-armer arrives at Trent Bridge with the county sitting second in Division One and four points behind leaders Somerset and still firmly in the title hunt. Mukesh Kumar’s signing makes them stronger. He has 233 first-class wickets at an average of just 21.79, ten five-wicket hauls, and recent form that includes a strong showing in the Duleep Trophy final, where he took 3-62 as East Zone claimed the title.
His international experience is less having played three Tests and 26 matches across formats. This will be his first stint in English domestic cricket, a new challenge after a career spent entirely in India. Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the addition at a crucial stage. “It’s fantastic for us to get a player who’s match-ready and in full competitive mode ahead of two big games for the club,” he said.
Mukesh Kumar himself sounded eager: “I am really pleased to sign for Nottinghamshire at an important time in the season. I can’t wait to arrive in England and test myself in county cricket. I want to contribute as much as I can.” he said
Welcome, Mukesh! 🇮🇳
We’re delighted to add India seamer Mukesh Kumar to our bowling attack for the final two Rothesay County Championship matches.
Read the full story 👉 https://t.co/ozTfOKlUvm https://t.co/w1zFBu6qNf
— Nottinghamshire CCC (@TrentBridge) September 14, 2026
Nottinghamshire keep title hopes alive ahead of crucial Sussex match
Nottinghamshire’s 2026 County Championship season has been solid and are placed second with 185 points after 12 matches with five wins, one loss and six draws. They trail Somerset by four points and sit just ahead of Warwickshire. Consistency has been the hallmark in this edition. They have strong home performances, useful contributions with both bat and ball, and an ability to grind out results even when the pitch or weather has not favoured them. Their recent form has kept them in the hunt for the Championship. They had a hard-fought 54-run win over Hampshire at Trent Bridge earlier this month.
Earlier draws and wins against teams like Leicestershire and others have given them points needed to stay within touching distance of the top. The next match comes quickly as Nottinghamshire travel to Hove to face Sussex starting Tuesday, 15 September. Sussex themselves sit in the middle of the table and will be motivated to spoil any title ambitions. Conditions at that venue can assist the seamers, which should suit Mukesh Kumar. A strong result there would put real pressure on Somerset heading into the final round. The last fixture of the season is at home against Yorkshire from 24 September. That match could yet decide everything. With two games left and only a little gap to close, Nottinghamshire remain very much alive in the title race.
