Mukesh Choudhary returns to India A squad after five-wicket haul
Mukesh Choudhary's five-wicket haul in the Irani Cup has earned him a place in the India A squad for New Zealand, marking his return after a long injury layoff.
Left-arm seamer Mukesh Choudhary has been named in the India A squad for the multi-day series in New Zealand after taking a five-wicket haul for Rest of India in the Irani Cup. The 26-year-old said he feels fully fit and mentally clear following a series of back and side injuries that kept him out of cricket for nearly 18 months. He will travel to New Zealand after completing his Ranji Trophy commitments with Maharashtra.
Choudhary said the Irani Cup performance gave him confidence that he belongs at the higher level. He has played only 24 first-class matches since his debut in 2017 because of repeated injuries. The seamer credited his recovery to a focus on the smallest details of his bowling action and workload management.
His selection adds depth to India's pace options ahead of the New Zealand tour, where the Test squad will also be finalised.
CricHubb Take
Choudhary's comeback shows that sustained fitness rather than raw pace is the real test for India's next generation of left-arm seamers.