Bengal fast bowlers Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep have moved into prime contention for India’s upcoming two-Test series in New Zealand. Team management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, closely monitored the duo during the recent Irani Cup in Srinagar, where their efforts were instrumental in the Rest of India’s dramatic come-from-behind victory on Sunday, October 4.
Mukesh Kumar, a 32-year-old seamer who has represented India in three Tests, six ODIs, and 17 T20Is since his international debut in July 2023, claimed an eight-wicket haul during the match. Akash Deep, who was previously identified as a potential squad member in late September, took six wickets. Alongside established bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Gurnoor Brar, both pacers are likely candidates for the 16- or 17-member squad tasked with the World Test Championship fixtures. While Akash claimed six wickets in the match, Mukesh returned an eight-wicket haul in Rest of India’s 167-run win. And it now transpires that the management also wants the selectors to consider Mukesh, the 32-year-old seamer, who has played three Tests, six ODIs and 17 T20Is in 12 months since making his international debut in July 2023, akash Deep was considered vital to India’s chances in New Zealand by the Gautam Gambhir-led team management. Whether this is a temporary or full-time arrangement will not be clear until a new selector is identified.
Team management is also monitoring the recovery of Prasidh Krishna, who remains a possibility for the tour. Although the fast bowler sustained a hamstring injury during the second ODI against the West Indies in Guwahati on September 30, it is currently not considered severe enough to rule him out of the 45-day tour, which spans from October 22 to December 1. His potential participation depends on medical clearance from the Centre of Excellence. The upcoming New Zealand schedule includes five T20Is and five ODIs before the two-Test series. He, along with Bengal pacer Akash Deep, whose potential inclusion in the New Zealand-bound red-ball squad was first hinted at by on September 30, look like the leading candidates for the two-Test series.
Administrative changes are occurring simultaneously, as Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as chief selector concluded this past Sunday following the expiration of his contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). In the interim, a four-member selection committee led by Pragyan Ojha will handle squad selections. This committee is expected to convene next week to finalize the roster for the New Zealand tour.
Meanwhile, the Indian cricket team is shifting focus to the white-ball format. The squad is scheduled to assemble in Lucknow on Monday ahead of the first T20I against the visiting West Indies side on Tuesday, October 6. Players returning from the series in Japan arrived in India on Sunday and are slated for a practice session on Monday evening.
