Following a dominant performance in the Irani Cup, Bengal seamers Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep have emerged as primary candidates for India’s upcoming Test series against New Zealand. The team management, spearheaded by head coach Gautam Gambhir, closely evaluated the duo during the recent Irani Cup in Srinagar, which concluded on October 4 with a 167-run victory for the Rest of India. Mukesh, the 32-year-old veteran who has recorded three Tests, six ODIs, and 17 T20Is since his international debut in July 2023, claimed an impressive eight-wicket haul during the match. Akash Deep also made a significant impact, securing six wickets to bolster the team’s comeback 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.
Gautam Gambhir is expected to present these selections to the four-member committee now led by Pragyan Ojha. The committee is set to convene next week to finalize the roster for the two-Test series, which falls under the World Test Championship cycle. The potential squad, likely comprising 16 to 17 players, is expected to feature Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Gurnoor Brar alongside the two Bengal pacers.
Management is also monitoring the status of pacer Prasidh Krishna. Although he suffered a hamstring injury during the second ODI against the West Indies in Guwahati on September 30, the issue is not considered severe enough to preclude him from the tour. His participation remains subject to clearance from the Centre of Excellence. The upcoming New Zealand tour spans from October 22 to December 1 and includes five T20Is and five ODIs in addition to the two red-ball fixtures. 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. According to there is no confirmation yet, but the recent hamstring injury to the gangling pacer, first, By on October 1, is not considered serious enough to rule him out of the tour.
Administrative changes are also taking place within the selection panel, as Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as chief selector concluded on Sunday following the expiration of his contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India. For the interim, the selection committee will operate with four members under Pragyan Ojha, though it remains unclear whether this structure will be permanent or if a replacement will be appointed. Whether this is a temporary or full-time arrangement will not be clear until a new selector is identified.
In the immediate term, the Indian squad is shifting its focus to a five-match T20I series against the West Indies. Players arrived from Japan on Sunday and are scheduled to assemble in Lucknow on Monday for training. The opening T20I of the series is slated for Tuesday, October 6.
