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Mukesh Kumar's eight-wicket haul boosts India Test selection case for New Zealand tour

India’s pace battery selection for the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand has taken a sharp turn following standout performances in the Irani Cup. Mukesh Kumar’s eight-wicket haul in Srinagar on October 4, 2026, has propelled him into serious contention for a Test call-up, while Akash Deep’s six-wicket return in the same match further bolstered their cases.

The duo’s combined 14 wickets in the match, which India won by 167 runs against Jammu and Kashmir, has become pivotal as selectors weigh options amid uncertainty over Prasidh Krishna’s availability. Krishna, sidelined since a hamstring injury suffered during India’s second ODI against the West Indies on September 30, 2026, remains unfit, leaving the selection panel to consider a pace attack without him for the New Zealand tour (October 22–December 1, 2026).

With Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as chief selector ending on October 4, Pragyan Ojha now leads the interim selection committee, which is expected to finalize the squad—likely comprising 16 or 17 players—next week. The tour includes five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Tests as part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, adding pressure to secure a balanced pace attack ahead of the challenging overseas assignment.

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