Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar Eye Test Comeback for New Zealand Tour After 14 Wickets in Irani Cup

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Bengal Pacers Strengthen Their Case Ahead of New Zealand Test Series

India’s fast bowling combination could see some important changes ahead of the upcoming New Zealand tour, with Bengal pacers Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar emerging as strong contenders for a place in the Test squad.

The two fast bowlers produced a powerful performance in the Irani Cup, taking a combined 14 wickets for Rest of India in their 167 run victory over Jammu and Kashmir. Akash Deep claimed six wickets, while Mukesh Kumar finished with eight wickets.

Their impressive performances have once again brought both pacers into the selection spotlight. With New Zealand conditions traditionally offering assistance to seam and swing bowlers, the Indian team management could consider experienced red ball specialists such as Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar for the two Test matches.

Prasidh Krishna is also in contention, although his selection will depend on his recovery from a thigh injury and subsequent fitness clearance.

India’s New Zealand Tour Begins on October 22

India’s New Zealand tour is scheduled to begin on October 22 and will continue until December 1. The tour will feature five T20 internationals, five ODIs and two Test matches.

The Test series is expected to provide a major challenge for India, particularly because New Zealand conditions can offer considerable assistance to fast bowlers.

Cloudy weather, movement in the air and assistance from the surface can make life difficult for batsmen, especially during the opening stages of an innings. As a result, India will need a strong and versatile pace attack.

The recent Irani Cup performances of Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar have therefore come at a crucial time.

Akash Deep Returns With a Statement Performance

Akash Deep made a highly encouraging return to competitive cricket in the Irani Cup after spending around six months away from action.

His six wicket haul immediately strengthened his case for a return to the Indian Test setup. More importantly, his performance showed that he remains capable of producing the discipline and movement required in red ball cricket.

According to reports, the Indian team management views Akash Deep as an important part of its red ball plans, particularly considering the conditions expected in New Zealand.

His ability to extract movement from the pitch and maintain a disciplined line makes him an attractive option for overseas Test cricket.

Akash Deep Has Already Proved His Test Credentials

Akash Deep has represented India in 10 Test matches and has taken 28 wickets.

One of his most memorable performances came during the Test against England in Birmingham, where he claimed 10 wickets. That performance highlighted his ability to make a significant impact in challenging conditions.

His last Test appearance came in August 2025 against England at The Oval. Since then, injuries kept him away from competitive cricket.

The Irani Cup has now given him the perfect platform to make a strong comeback.

His successful return could be particularly important for India because the New Zealand tour is likely to demand bowlers who can consistently exploit seam and swing.

Mukesh Kumar Makes a Strong Case With Eight Wickets

While Akash Deep grabbed the headlines with his return, Mukesh Kumar also delivered a spectacular performance in the Irani Cup.

Mukesh finished the match with eight wickets and played a crucial role in Rest of India’s convincing victory.

His second innings spell was particularly impressive, as he claimed six wickets and put the opposition batting lineup under enormous pressure.

The performance could significantly boost his chances of returning to the Indian Test squad.

Mukesh Kumar’s Accuracy Could Be Valuable in New Zealand

Mukesh Kumar’s biggest strength is his ability to bowl with accuracy and maintain a consistent line and length.

Rather than relying solely on pace, he focuses on creating pressure through discipline and movement. That style can become extremely effective in Test cricket, particularly in conditions where the ball moves around.

Mukesh made his international debut in July 2023 and has already played three Tests for India.

Although he has not yet established himself as a permanent member of the Test side, his domestic experience and recent red ball performances make him a serious contender for the New Zealand tour.

Prasidh Krishna’s Selection Depends on Fitness

Prasidh Krishna is another fast bowler who could feature in India’s plans for the New Zealand Tests.

However, his availability remains dependent on his fitness.

Prasidh suffered a thigh injury during India’s second ODI against West Indies in Guwahati on September 30. He bowled only five overs in that match before the injury forced him to leave the contest.

He was subsequently ruled out of the third ODI.

Reports suggest that the injury is not considered serious enough to automatically rule him out of the entire New Zealand tour. However, he will need fitness clearance from the Centre of Excellence before his selection can be confirmed.

If he recovers in time, Prasidh could provide another valuable pace option for India.

Bumrah and Siraj Remain Key Parts of the Pace Attack

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are expected to remain central figures in India’s Test bowling plans.

Bumrah brings world class experience, accuracy and the ability to generate movement with the old and new ball. Siraj, meanwhile, offers aggression and the ability to attack batsmen with the new ball.

Adding Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar to that combination could give India greater depth and flexibility.

If Prasidh Krishna is also declared fit, India could have several high quality fast bowling options to choose from depending on the conditions and pitch.

Gurunoor Brar Could Also Be Considered

Gurunoor Brar is another fast bowling option who could be part of the wider discussion surrounding India’s Test squad.

India’s selection strategy has increasingly focused on developing young fast bowling talent alongside established international stars.

Having multiple options allows the team management to select a combination based on pitch conditions, workload management and the specific requirements of each Test match.

Why New Zealand Conditions Could Suit Akash Deep

New Zealand has historically provided conditions where seam and swing bowlers can become extremely dangerous.

The combination of movement in the air and assistance from the pitch can create problems for batsmen, particularly during the first session of a Test.

Akash Deep’s ability to bowl a probing line and generate movement could therefore make him a useful option.

His recent Irani Cup performance also provides evidence that he has regained rhythm after his injury layoff.

Why Mukesh Kumar Could Be a Useful Overseas Option

Mukesh Kumar could also become an important option because of his ability to maintain pressure over long spells.

In Test cricket, consistency can often be just as important as raw pace. A bowler who repeatedly lands the ball in the right areas can force batsmen into mistakes.

Mukesh’s eight wicket performance in the Irani Cup demonstrated that he can take advantage when conditions and his rhythm are right.

The New Zealand series could offer him another opportunity to prove his value at the highest level.

Irani Cup Performance Gives Selectors a Major Boost

The Irani Cup has once again served as an important platform for players hoping to return to international cricket.

Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar took full advantage of the opportunity.

Their combined 14 wickets were among the biggest highlights of Rest of India’s 167 run victory and have given the selectors fresh options ahead of the New Zealand tour.

For Akash Deep, the performance was particularly significant because it came immediately after his return from injury.

For Mukesh Kumar, it was an opportunity to remind the selectors that he remains a serious red ball contender.

Selection Battle Could Intensify Before the New Zealand Tests

The competition for places in India’s Test pace attack is expected to be intense.

Bumrah and Siraj have established themselves as leading options, while Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar have strengthened their claims with their Irani Cup performances.

Prasidh Krishna’s fitness could add another twist to the selection equation.

Gurunoor Brar also provides another potential option, particularly if the selectors want to add youth and variety to the bowling group.

The final combination will depend on several factors, including current form, fitness, workload, experience and the conditions expected in New Zealand.

Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar Have Put Themselves Back in the Spotlight

The performances of Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar have created a fresh selection story ahead of India’s New Zealand tour.

Akash Deep’s six wicket haul was a powerful comeback statement, while Mukesh Kumar’s eight wickets made his case even harder to ignore.

Both bowlers have experience of Indian domestic red ball cricket and have already represented India at Test level.

If selected, they could provide India with additional depth and flexibility in the fast bowling department.

New Zealand Tour Could Be a Major Opportunity

The upcoming New Zealand tour could prove to be a major opportunity for India’s fast bowling unit.

With two Test matches scheduled, the team will need bowlers who can exploit movement, maintain discipline and handle the demands of overseas conditions.

Bumrah and Siraj provide experience, while Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar could bring fresh energy and red ball expertise.

Prasidh Krishna’s potential return would further strengthen the group.

For now, the spotlight is firmly on Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar. Their sensational Irani Cup performances have given them momentum at exactly the right time.

The final decision will rest with the selectors, but one thing is clear: the battle for places in India’s Test pace attack has become significantly more competitive, and the New Zealand conditions could make the performances of these fast bowlers especially important.