# Pace Duo Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep Mount Strong Comeback Bid Ahead of New Zealand Tests

> Following a combined 14-wicket haul in the Irani Cup, pacers Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep have stated their case for a recall to India's Test squad after injury layoffs.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Cricket · **Published:** 2026-10-05 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/cricket/irani-kapa-men-barapaya-kahara-akash-deep-aura-mukesh-kumar-ne-new-zealand-sirija-se-pahale-thoki-davedari-43018 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Irani Cup, Indian Cricket Team, Gautam Gambhir, New Zealand Test Series

Switching domestic teams in pursuit of better opportunities and cricketing infrastructure has long been a common trend across Indian cricket. Players moving from Bihar to represent Bengal in the domestic circuit have formed a well-trodden path, with fast bowlers Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep serving as the standout contemporary examples. Until a few months ago, both pacers were operating in tandem with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj at the international level. Successive injury setbacks temporarily halted their momentum, leaving them battling to reclaim their places in the national side.

## Dominant Display at Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium
Representing the Rest of India in the Irani Cup against reigning Ranji Trophy champions Jammu and Kashmir, both seamers produced an exceptional display of fast bowling. In front of the local crowd at Srinagar's Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium, the opposition lineup struggled against their relentless swing and control. Akash Deep claimed six wickets in the contest, while Mukesh Kumar captured eight dismissals across the two innings. Their incisive spells sent a clear reminder to head coach Gautam Gambhir and the national selection committee ahead of the impending home series against New Zealand.

## Overcoming Physical Setbacks Under Selectors' Gaze
For both fast bowlers, this Irani Cup fixture carried stakes far higher than merely lifting silverware. Mukesh has remained out of the Indian team setup since July 2024 and has been striving to demonstrate that his omission was unwarranted. For Akash Deep, the match marked his return to competitive action after nearly eight months on the sidelines recovering from a stress fracture in his lower back. With two national selectors observing their bowling rhythm and physical conditioning closely from the boundary rope, both players demonstrated complete match fitness throughout their spells.

## Journey From Sasaram and Gopalganj to Police DSP Roles
The rise of the two pacers is rooted in perseverance through difficult circumstances. Akash Deep, who hails from Sasaram in Bihar, relocated to West Bengal in 2010 to live with his uncle. A few years later, Gopalganj native Mukesh Kumar arrived in the state to support his father's taxi business. Neither set of parents initially supported the aspiration of pursuing professional cricket, yet both bowlers broke through the ranks to secure selection for Bengal and ultimately earned national caps. Recognizing their sporting achievements, the Bihar government appointed both cricketers as Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP) a few months ago, and both have joined the service.

## Mounting Competition for the Test Fast-Bowling Slots
Mukesh Kumar has maintained consistent domestic form, finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the Duleep Trophy with 12 wickets, in addition to featuring in the English County Championship. However, the path back to the Indian Test squad features stiff internal rivalry. During their time away, tall pacer Gurnoor Brar, who is regarded as close to Shubman Gill, has entered the selection reckoning. Domestic standout Auqib Nabi has also delivered consistent bowling performances, while Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana present formidable claims. As India prepares for the Test series against New Zealand scheduled across November and December, the selectors face crucial choices in assembling the pace attack.

## What this means for you
This bowling exhibition directly intensifies the competition for fast-bowling spots in India's upcoming Test assignments.

- **For Indian cricket fans:** The return of fit reserve pacers ensures quality rotation options if frontline bowlers are rested during the long home season. Viewers can expect sharper competition in the red-ball fast-bowling department.
- **For aspiring state cricketers:** The journeys of both bowlers reinforce how shifting domestic circuits can provide viable pathways to national recognition. Their success illustrates that persistence in domestic tournaments yields tangible career outcomes.
- **For selectors and team management:** Akash Deep proving his fitness after eight months provides immediate depth alongside Mukesh Kumar's steady form. The coaching staff now has multiple match-ready seamers ahead of the series.
- **For competing domestic pacers:** The 14-wicket haul sets a high benchmark for other emerging fast bowlers seeking selection. Contenders must deliver exceptional numbers in domestic matches to remain in contention.

## Why this happened
This development was triggered by both bowlers overcoming prolonged absences and making an immediate impact upon their competitive return.

- **Decisive Irani Cup performances:** Akash Deep picked up six wickets while Mukesh Kumar accounted for eight scalps against Jammu and Kashmir. Their swing bowling proved unplayable in Srinagar, demonstrating full match readiness.
- **Recovery from fitness issues:** Akash Deep had spent nearly eight months sidelined with a lower-back stress fracture, while Mukesh had been excluded from national squads since July 2024. The fixture served as their primary platform to stake a claim.
- **Approaching Test assignments:** India is scheduled to host New Zealand for a Test series across November and December. National selectors watched from the boundary to verify both pacers' form before finalizing squad selections.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. How many wickets did Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar take in the Irani Cup?
Playing for Rest of India, Akash Deep claimed six wickets while Mukesh Kumar secured a total of eight wickets across both innings.

### 2. Where do Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep originally hail from?
Akash Deep is from Sasaram in Bihar, while Mukesh Kumar is a native of Bihar's Gopalganj district.

### 3. How long was Akash Deep sidelined before playing the Irani Cup match?
Akash Deep was playing his first competitive match in nearly eight months after recovering from a lower-back stress fracture.

### 4. What official post did the Bihar government award both cricketers?
The Bihar government appointed both players as Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP) in the state police department a few months ago.

### 5. What was Mukesh Kumar's record in the recent Duleep Trophy?
Mukesh Kumar was the leading bowler in the Duleep Trophy, taking the tournament's highest tally of 12 wickets.

### 6. Which bowlers are competing with them for spots in the national Test squad?
They face direct competition from fast bowlers including Gurnoor Brar, Auqib Nabi, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana.

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