After delivering a standout performance in the Irani Cup, 32‑year‑old fast‑bowler Mukesh Kumar has entered the selection conversation for India’s upcoming two‑Test series in New Zealand. He joins Bengal pacer Akash Deep, whose possible inclusion was first reported by Cricbuzz on September 30, as one of the front‑running candidates for the red‑ball squad.
Irani Cup impact on selection prospects
The Irani Cup match in Srinagar on Sunday, October 4, saw Rest of India secure a dramatic 167‑run victory after a comeback effort. Both Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep featured prominently for the Rest of India side, catching the eye of head coach Gautam Gambhir. While Akash Deep claimed six wickets, Mukesh Kumar produced an eight‑wicket haul, underscoring his ability to take wickets in crucial phases of the game.
Gambhir, who leads the Indian team’s management, has previously highlighted the importance of Akash Deep to India’s chances in New Zealand. The recent performances have prompted the management to advocate for Mukesh Kumar’s inclusion alongside the Bengal pacer. Both bowlers are now expected to submit their inputs to the four‑member selection panel headed by former spinner Pragyan Ojha.
Potential composition of the New Zealand red‑ball squad
The two‑Test series forms part of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Alongside established seamers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Gurnoor Brar, the selection committee is likely to consider a 16‑ or 17‑member squad that includes Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep. Their recent Irani Cup displays add weight to the case for their selection, especially as India looks to field a balanced pace attack on New Zealand’s seam‑friendly pitches.
There is also speculation that Prasidh Krishna could travel to Auckland, although his participation remains unconfirmed. Cricbuzz reported a hamstring injury for Krishna on October 1, but the injury was described as not serious enough to automatically rule him out of the tour. Krishna’s final selection will depend on clearance from the Centre of Excellence, where he was sent after sustaining the injury during the second ODI against the West Indies in Guwahati on September 30.
Selection committee dynamics and upcoming schedule
The selection process is occurring against a backdrop of administrative change. Ajit Agarkar’s term as chief selector concluded on Sunday when his contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expired. The BCCI announced an interim arrangement, leaving Pragyan Ojha to lead a four‑member panel while a permanent replacement is identified.
The committee is expected to convene next week to finalize the squads for the New Zealand tour, which runs from October 22 to December 1. The tour will also feature five T20 Internationals and five One‑Day Internationals in addition to the two Tests, creating a packed 45‑day itinerary.
In parallel, the Indian T20I squad is set to assemble in Lucknow on Monday, ahead of the first of five T20Is against the visiting West Indies. Most squad members returning from Japan are anticipated to land in India on Sunday, with a practice session scheduled for Monday evening in Lucknow. The opening T20I is slated for Tuesday, October 6.
Overall, the performances of Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep in the Irani Cup have placed them at the forefront of the selection conversation for the New Zealand Test series. Their eight‑ and six‑wicket hauls respectively demonstrate the depth of pace talent emerging from Bengal, and the final squad composition will hinge on inputs from the management, the interim selection panel, and fitness clearances for players like Prasidh Krishna.
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