Mohammed Shami's Bengal teammate Mukesh Kumar has emerged as a strong contender for India’s Test squad for the upcoming New Zealand tour after an impressive performance in the Irani Cup. The 32-year-old Bengal pacer has caught the attention of head coach Gautam Gambhir, who wants the selectors to consider him for the two-match series.
India’s New Zealand tour will begin on October 22 and run until December 1, covering five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests. The two red-ball matches will be played towards the end of the 45-day tour and will form part of the World Test Championship cycle, making them crucial in the race for the WTC 2027 final.
Mohammed Shami's Bengal teammates Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep Impress In Irani Cup
Mukesh Kumar strengthened his case with an eight-wicket haul in the Irani Cup in Srinagar. His Bengal teammate Akash Deep also impressed, taking six wickets, as Rest of India completed a 167-run comeback victory over Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, October 4.
According to Cricbuzz, their performances were closely monitored by Gautam Gambhir, who is expected to provide his inputs to the four-member selection committee headed by interim chief selector Pragyan Ojha.
Mukesh Kumar has already represented India across all three formats. Since making his international debut in July 2023, he has played three Tests, six ODIs and 17 T20Is.
Akash Deep remains another strong candidate for the New Zealand-bound squad after returning to competitive cricket from an injury layoff. His Irani Cup outing also gave him an opportunity to prove his fitness and regain his rhythm ahead of the overseas assignment.
Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep could join Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Gurnoor Brar in a 16- or 17-member red-ball squad for the two Tests.
Prasidh Krishna Awaits Medical Clearance
Prasidh Krishna is also in contention for the New Zealand tour, although his availability will depend on his recovery from a hamstring injury. The tall pacer suffered the injury during India’s second ODI against the West Indies in Guwahati on September 30.
Prasidh Krishna subsequently reported to the Centre of Excellence for rehabilitation and medical assessments. The injury is not considered serious enough to rule him out of the entire New Zealand tour, particularly because the two Tests are scheduled for the latter part of the assignment.
There is optimism that Prasidh Krishna could recover in time for the red-ball leg of the tour. However, his selection will depend on clearance from the Centre of Excellence.
Pragyan Ojha To Lead Selection Committee On Interim Basis
The selection process for the New Zealand tour will take place under a change in leadership. Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as chief selector ended on Sunday after his contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expired.
Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha has taken charge of the four-member selection committee on an interim basis. The committee is expected to meet next week to finalise the squads for the New Zealand tour, with the red-ball selections likely to receive particular attention.
Meanwhile, the Indian T20I squad has assembled in Lucknow ahead of the five-match series against the West Indies. Most of the players returning from Japan after the Asian Games campaign are expected to have joined the squad, with a practice session scheduled for Monday evening.
