Mukesh Kumar’s Irani Cup Eight-For Boosts India Test Hopes

Mukesh Kumar has made a strong case for a place in India’s Test squad for New Zealand after taking eight wickets in the Irani Cup.

Bengal pair do the damage

Mukesh and fellow Bengal seamer Akash Deep shared 14 wickets as Rest of India beat Jammu and Kashmir by 167 runs in Srinagar on October 4, 2026. Akash Deep took six.

Akash Deep was already being talked about as an option for the tour, and his display added to that. Mukesh has now joined the list of contenders for the pace attack.

Selection picture

India are expected to pick a 16 or 17-man squad for the two-Test series. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Gurnoor Brar are also among the fast-bowling options.

Prasidh Krishna’s fitness could influence the choice. He hurt his hamstring in the second ODI against West Indies on September 30, and his availability for New Zealand is uncertain until the Centre of Excellence clears him.

Mukesh’s record

Mukesh, 32, has played three Tests, six ODIs and 17 T20Is since his international debut in 2023. His Irani Cup return comes as India prepare for a testing overseas trip.

The New Zealand series is part of the current World Test Championship cycle, and the selectors are expected to meet next week to finalise the squads.