Akash Deep set for Test recall ahead of New Zealand tour
Akash Deep returns to Test contention after successful Irani Cup comeback from back injury.
Twenty-nine-year-old fast bowler Akash Deep is in line for a Test recall after recovering from a lower-back stress injury. The pacer impressed selectors with a match haul of 6 for 68 across two innings in the Irani Cup while bowling nearly 24 overs.
Akash has played 10 Tests since his 2024 debut, taking 28 wickets including a 10-wicket haul in England's first Test at Edgbaston last year. He bowls at his usual pace of 138-140 kph following his return to competitive cricket.
India will play two Tests in New Zealand starting November 19 in Wellington. The Test squad is expected to include 16 or 17 members to accommodate an extra fast bowler option. Auqib Nabi, Mukesh Kumar and Anshul Kamboj are among the additional pace options being considered.
CricHubb Take
Akash Deep's selection would complete India's transition from relying on injury-prone veterans to building a sustainable pace attack around players who can maintain fitness across long tours.