Former India all-rounder Sanjay Bangar believes Lucknow Super Giants speedster Mohsin Khan is on the verge of earning a call-up to the national side, and that it could happen sooner rather than later. The left-arm quick missed the entire IPL season in 2025 after suffering an ACL injury, but he has returned for the IPL 2026 with pace, accuracy and an edge that has kept hitters under constant pressure. In just four outings, Mohsin has grabbed nine wickets, including a five-wicket haul, while maintaining a sensational economy rate of 6.38. His biggest statement came on Sunday against KKR, where he produced IPL 2026’s first five-for, finishing with figures of 5/23.
Bangar backs Mohsin for India selection
Bangar, who served as India’s batting coach from 2014 to 2019, pointed to Mohsin’s left-arm angle as a key differentiator. He argued that Indian cricket does not have many genuine, high-quality left-arm fast options at the moment, which makes Mohsin’s skill set even more valuable for selectors.
- Mohsin missed the full IPL season in 2025 due to an ACL tear.
- He has taken 9 wickets in four IPL 2026 matches, including a five-wicket haul.
- His economy rate in the tournament so far is 6.38.
- Against KKR on Sunday, he claimed IPL 2026’s first five-for with 5/23.
On an ESPNcricinfo show, Bangar said the most important factor is regaining peak fitness after the long layoff, adding that Mohsin’s particular combination of attributes is something Indian talent currently lacks in quantity. He also contrasted the available options, noting that while the country has plenty of batters, the left-arm variety among fast-bowling resources is not as strong.
Why Mohsin’s left-arm pace stands out
Bangar highlighted that left-arm seam bowling with real pace and movement is relatively rare in India. He suggested Mohsin has been able to show the traits that typically define a top-class left-arm fast bowler, including the ability to hit consistent lengths and generate extra bounce, as well as the heavier ball that makes batters feel the pressure even when the pace is not fully cranked up.
- Bangar said Mohsin’s prime skill set is something India doesn’t have in abundance.
- He noted India has plenty of batting talent, but fewer left-arm pace options.
- He argued selectors should pay close attention to how Mohsin performs among left-arm seamers.
- He said Mohsin’s extra bounce, length control, and the “heavy ball” effect are key positives.
- Bangar referenced Arshdeep Singh as a possible exception, while adding that Arshdeep is not as “quick” as the type Mohsin represents.
Bangar also stressed that within India’s current group of left-arm seamers, Mohsin has impressed most, largely because of the way he uses his angles and pace to trouble batters, rather than relying purely on variation.
“He really hammered the pitch” — Bangar’s breakdown
Bangar then turned to Mohsin’s approach in the KKR match, explaining how his plan looked deliberate and disciplined. He said the team discussed the idea of keeping fast bowling metronomic—staying sharp in length, being controlled, and making the spell “boring” in the best possible way. He added that Mohsin got some help from the conditions, but when the batter-facing moment allowed it, the bowler went short and struck the pitch hard rather than merely placing the ball on a good line.
Bangar’s key observation was that Mohsin did not simply rest the ball on length to invite movement. Instead, he attacked the surface and played the role aggressively—especially when opportunities opened up during the middle overs.
Match role, key overs and the momentum factor
Speaking about the timing of Mohsin’s impact, Bangar singled out the 11th over in particular. He said Pant handed Mohsin that over knowing it was an attacking phase, and that Mohsin came in with the mindset that wickets were needed rather than a cautious consolidation job.
- Bangar said they wanted fast bowlers to be consistent in length and disciplined.
- He noted Mohsin used a short length aggressively when he received assistance.
- Bangar said he “bashed away at the length” rather than just landing the ball on a good spot.
- He praised Mohsin’s comeback in the 11th over, describing it as an attacking assignment.
- Bangar suggested it became a double-wicket type of over, limiting any chance for KKR to settle.
- He concluded that Mohsin set the spell up with discipline early before attacking the right moments.
Bangar summed it up by saying Mohsin assessed the pitch well, understood his role, and carried it out with intent—returning to take wickets, attacking effectively, and building his success on a disciplined start.
With India set to travel to Ireland for two T20 internationals in June before moving on to England for a full white-ball tour, Bangar feels Mohsin’s current trajectory gives him a strong chance of selection. If the left-arm quick keeps delivering performances at this level, Bangar believes his path to the national team is very much open.
