Mukesh Kumar has placed himself firmly among the leading candidates for India’s red-ball squad for the two-Test series against New Zealand after taking eight wickets in the Irani Cup match that concluded on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in Srinagar. Akash Deep contributed six wickets in the same fixture, and the rest of India sealed victory over Jammu and Kashmir by 167 runs. The combined haul of 14 wickets from the two Bengal pacers has strengthened the case for both ahead of the selection committee’s expected meeting next week.
Akash Deep’s name had emerged as a possible inclusion in India’s New Zealand-bound Test squad as early as September 30, 2026. His recent performances in the Irani Cup have now strengthened his case, while Mukesh Kumar has also entered the conversation.
India are expected to name a 16- or 17-member squad for the two-Test series, with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Gurnoor Brar also being considered alongside the two Bengal pacers. The two Tests against New Zealand will be part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
How does Prasidh Krishna’s fitness affect the pace selection?
Prasidh Krishna sustained a hamstring injury while playing the second ODI against West Indies in Guwahati on September 30, 2026, as reported by Cricbuzz on October 1. His availability for the New Zealand tour has not been confirmed, and his final clearance from the Centre of Excellence remains unresolved. That uncertainty adds practical relevance to the Irani Cup showings of Mukesh and Akash Deep, as the selectors may need to plan for a pace group that does not include Prasidh.
Mukesh, who is 32 years old, has represented India in three Tests, six ODIs and 17 T20Is since making his international debut in July 2023. His eight-wicket return in Srinagar is his most prominent red-ball performance in domestic cricket in recent times and arrives at a moment when India are building their pace resources for a demanding overseas assignment. The New Zealand tour runs from October 22 to December 1, 2026, and includes five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests.
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Who leads the selection panel and when will the squad be named?
Ajit Agarkar’s term as chief selector came to a close on October 4, 2026, the same day the Irani Cup match ended. Pragyan Ojha is now heading the four-member selection committee in an interim capacity as chief selector. Head coach Gautam Gambhir is expected to share his inputs with the panel before the squad is finalised.
The selectors are expected to convene next week to name squads for the full New Zealand tour. Meanwhile, the Indian T20I group assembled in Lucknow on Monday, October 5, 2026, ahead of the first T20I against West Indies, which is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The red-ball squad announcement is likely to follow once the white-ball series against West Indies is underway.
