Mukesh Kumar Emerges as Dark Horse Candidate for India’s New Zealand Test Series Squad

India’s Test selection plans for the upcoming New Zealand tour could see a fresh pace-bowling option emerge, with Mukesh Kumar making a strong case alongside Bengal teammate Akash Deep.

Mukesh’s impressive showing in the Irani Cup has brought him into consideration for the two-Test series, with the Indian team management keen for the selectors to assess the 32-year-old seamer. Akash Deep had already emerged as a strong contender for the New Zealand-bound squad, but Mukesh’s performance in Srinagar has now put him firmly in the conversation, as per a report from Cricbuzz.

The two Bengal pacers played a decisive role in Rest of India’s 167-run victory over Jammu and Kashmir in the Irani Cup on Sunday. While Akash Deep finished with six wickets, Mukesh Kumar produced an eight-wicket haul as Rest of India completed a remarkable comeback win.

Their performances were closely watched by head coach Gautam Gambhir, who is expected to provide his inputs to the four-member selection committee headed by interim chief selector Pragyan Ojha.

Mukesh, Akash in Contention

Mukesh has played three Tests, six ODIs and 17 T20Is since making his international debut in July 2023. His latest performance could give him another opportunity in the longest format, particularly with India preparing for challenging conditions in New Zealand.

Akash Deep, meanwhile, remains an important candidate after returning to competitive cricket following his injury layoff. The Bengal pacer had been considered a key part of India’s plans and used the Irani Cup as an opportunity to prove his fitness and regain his rhythm.

Alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Gurnoor Brar, Mukesh and Akash could both feature in India’s 16- or 17-member red-ball squad for the two Tests, which are part of the World Test Championship cycle.

Prasidh Krishna is another name in contention, although his availability will depend on his recovery from a hamstring injury suffered during India’s second ODI against the West Indies in Guwahati on September 30. The injury is not considered serious enough to rule him out of the New Zealand tour altogether.

The two Tests will form the final leg of India’s lengthy 45-day New Zealand tour, which begins on October 22 and also includes five T20Is and five ODIs. The Test matches are scheduled for the latter part of the tour.

The selection process will also take place amid a change at the top of India’s selection committee. Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as chief selector ended on Sunday after his contract with the BCCI expired, with Pragyan Ojha currently overseeing the four-member panel on an interim basis.

India to Pick Squad Next Week

The selection committee is expected to meet next week to finalize India’s squads for the New Zealand tour. For Mukesh, however, the equation is straightforward. His eight-wicket performance in the Irani Cup has arrived at precisely the right time, giving him a fresh opportunity to push his name into India’s Test plans.

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