Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar in contention for New Zealand Tests

India’s selectors are weighing fast bowlers Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar for the New Zealand Test squad after both took wickets in the Irani Cup, but the touring squad had not been announced as of October 6. Akash claimed six wickets for 68 runs across two innings, while Mukesh took eight in the match, strengthening both players’ cases for consideration. Rest of India beat Jammu and Kashmir by 167 runs in the fixture, which concluded on October 4. The two bowlers combined for 14 wickets. Their performances came as selectors prepare squads for a New Zealand tour that includes five T20 internationals, five one-day internationals and two Tests. Akash, 29, returned to competitive cricket after a reported seven-month absence with a lower-back stress injury. He bowled nearly 24 overs in the Irani Cup match. A Board of Control for Cricket in India official told PTI that Akash was bowling at 138 to 140 kph and that the team management had asked Rest of India’s coaching staff to handle him carefully. The official described him as fit, but the squad reports do not establish that he has been selected. Mukesh’s eight-wicket return has also put him in contention for the Test group.