Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar in contention for India's New Zealand tour

Fast bowlers Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar have emerged as strong contenders for India's upcoming tour of New Zealand. Following impressive performances in the Irani Cup, where Akash Deep took six wickets and Mukesh Kumar claimed eight, the team management is considering both players for the two-match Test series.

Akash Deep, who has been sidelined for seven months due to injury, is reported to be fully fit and bowling at speeds of 138–140 km/h. BCCI officials have indicated that the coaching staff is managing his workload to ensure his readiness for the series.

The selection committee, led by Pragyan Ojha, is expected to meet soon to finalize squads for the T20I, ODI, and Test formats. Other potential considerations for the squad include Prasidh Krishna, whose hamstring injury is not expected to rule him out, and Gurnoor Brar, alongside established bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.