Mukesh Kumar’s 8-wicket haul puts him in NZ Test frame
Mukesh Kumar has forced his way into contention for India's Test squad for the New Zealand tour after a match-winning Irani Cup final.
The 32-year-old Bengal seamer took eight wickets in the match as Rest of India beat Jammu and Kashmir by 167 runs in Srinagar on October 4. His second-innings 6 for 33, including three wickets in four balls after lunch, sealed the win.
According to Cricbuzz, head coach Gautam Gambhir wants the selectors to consider Mukesh for the two-match Test series. His Bengal teammate Akash Deep, who took six wickets in the final, is also in the frame.
India's tour of New Zealand runs from October 22 to December 1, with five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests. The red-ball games count towards the World Test Championship.
The selection panel, headed by interim chief selector Pragyan Ojha, meets this week. Mukesh has played three Tests since his 2023 debut and would add experience to the pace attack.
The two Tests will be played in the final weeks of the 45-day tour. India need strong results in New Zealand to keep their World Test Championship final hopes alive.
Sources: m.cricbuzz.com, cricketaddictor.com, khelnow.com.
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