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The India National Cricket Team is already planning their pace attack for the upcoming three-match Test series in New Zealand, and everything is revolving around Akash Deep. Jasprit Bumrah remains India’s biggest match-winner with the ball, but Akash Deep has entered the picture for the New Zealand tour.
It is being said that Akash is emerging as a player the Indian cricket team management could trust in the tough Kiwi conditions, as those three Test matches are really crucial for their WTC Final dreams. Amid this, Shivam Dube picks Rohit Sharma over Virat Kohli as captain in seconds.
Akash Deep enters India’s New Zealand plans
New Zealand conditions can offer plenty of help to fast bowlers, especially with swing and seam movement. Akash Deep’s ability to hit the pitch hard and bowl with discipline could make him a major weapon for India.
Akash already impressed everyone with his performances on the England tour, where he managed to get bounce and movement while maintaining good control. Given that, as reported by Jagran News journalist Abhishek Tripathi, Akash Deep is considered for the New Zealand Test series.
However, the pacer has recently spent a long time away from the game after suffering a stress fracture. He then went through a strict rehabilitation program at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The hard work during his recovery has now started showing results. Amid this, India’s Asia Cup trophies: Devajit Saikia assures both will reach BCCI office.
Akash Deep back to red-ball fitness
Akash has gradually increased his bowling workload and has been working on getting back to full red-ball fitness. His ability to bowl long spells will be especially important in Test cricket. The upcoming New Zealand series could therefore become a big opportunity for the Bengal pacer.
A BCCI CoE source revealed that Akash Deep is fit and will perform wonders in New Zealand. India are expected to rely heavily on their fast bowlers, with Mohammed Siraj and Bumrah among the key options. Bumrah’s workload will also remain an important factor.
After a busy international schedule, India will want to manage their premier pacer carefully rather than depend on him for every match and every spell, making Akash’s chances even stronger. He has already shown that he can perform overseas, and his hit-the-deck style could suit New Zealand conditions.
🔥 न्यूजीलैंड टेस्ट सीरीज में आकाशदीप को बड़ी उम्मीद की तरह देख रही है भारतीय टीम
— Abhishek Tripathi / अभिषेक त्रिपाठी (@abhishereporter) September 19, 2026
🔥 इंग्लैंड में टेस्ट सीरीज में उन्होंने बढ़िया प्रदर्शन किया था
🔥 स्ट्रेस फ्रेक्चर से गुजरने वाले आकाशदीप अब फिट हो गए हैं और दिन में लाल गेंद से 15 ओवर तक फेंक रहे हैं
🔥 सेंटर आफ एक्सीलेंस के…
When Akash Deep ignored Rahul Dravid’s message!
Meanwhile, Akash Deep recalled that the former Indian head coach Rahul Dravid messaged him to confirm that he would play a day before his Test debut, but he ignored it because his number was not saved on his phone. He spent nearly 11-12 hours wondering if he would actually debut before checking the message again and realizing who had sent it.
Akash Deep said on Panchayat Aaj Tak Bihar: “I got a message from Rahul sir saying, ‘You are playing tomorrow.’ His number was not saved on my phone, so I ignored the message. I was restless because I had a doubt about whether I was playing.
When I checked the message again, I realized it was Rahul sir's number. I called him and said, "Sorry, sir, your number was not saved, so I missed the message.”
He added, “I was happy, but I looked at it as an opportunity. I thought that this was the biggest opportunity of my life. Whatever I had done over 22-23 years, these five days were the examination for that.”
