Live Update: Mukesh Kumar’s eight-wicket haul strengthens India’s Test selection case for the New Zealand tour. The two Bengal pacers took a total of 14 wickets as Rest of India defeated Jammu and Kashmir by 167 runs in the Irani Cup on October 4, 2026.
Mukesh Kumar’s eight-wicket haul strengthens India’s Test selection case for New Zealand tour (Photo by Stu Forster/) Mukesh Kumar has firmly placed himself among the Indian red-ball team’s top contenders for the two-Test series against New Zealand after taking eight wickets in the Irani Cup match that ended on Sunday, October 4, 2026 in Srinagar. Akash Deep contributed six wickets in the same match and Rest of India secured victory over Jammu and Kashmir by 167 runs. The combined haul of 14 wickets by the two Bengal pacers strengthened the case of both ahead of the scheduled selection committee meeting next week.
Akash Deep’s name had already surfaced as a possible inclusion in India’s New Zealand Test team on September 30, 2026. His recent performances in the Irani Cup have now buoyed him and Mukesh Kumar has also joined the conversation. India is expected to name a 16- or 17-man 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 his choice of pace? Prasidh Krishna suffered a hamstring injury during the second ODI against West Indies on September 30, 2026 in Guwahati, Cricbuzz reported on October 1.
His availability for the New Zealand tour has not been confirmed and his final clearance from the Center of Excellence remains unclear. This uncertainty gives practical relevance to Mukesh and Akash Deep’s performances in the Irani Cup as the selectors may have to plan a pace group that does not include Prasidh. Mukesh, 32, has represented India in three Tests, six ODIs and 17 T20Is since making his international debut in July 2023.
His eight-wicket haul in Srinagar is his most significant red-ball performance in domestic cricket in recent times and comes at a time when India is building up its pace resources for a demanding overseas mission. The New Zealand tour runs from October 22 to December 1, 2026 and includes five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests. Who leads the selection committee and when will the team be named?
Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as chief selector ended on October 4, 2026, the same day the Irani Cup match ended. Pragyan Ojha now leads the four-member selection committee as interim chief selector. Head coach Gautam Gambhir is expected to give his inputs to the panel before finalizing the squad.
Selectors are expected to meet next week to name squads for the full New Zealand tour. Meanwhile, the Indian T20I group met in Lucknow on Monday, October 5, 2026, ahead of the first T20I against West Indies, scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The red-ball squad announcement is likely to follow once the white-ball series against West Indies begins.
