Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Akash Deep Set for India Test Recall Against New Zealand
Akash Deep is a fast bowler who may play Test cricket for India again.
He missed seven months because of a back injury.
He recently returned to cricket in the Irani Cup and took six wickets.
A cricket official said he is fit and bowling quickly.
India is getting ready for a tour of New Zealand that includes T20s, one-day matches and Tests.
The selectors also need to plan around matches that happen close together.
Shubman Gill might skip the last two one-day matches to prepare for Tests.
If he does, Shreyas Iyer could lead the team in those matches.
Akash Deep is expected to return to India's Test squad for the New Zealand tour after a seven-month absence with a lower-back stress injury.
He took six wickets for 68 runs in the Irani Cup and bowled nearly 24 overs across two innings.
A BCCI official said Akash was fully fit and bowling at 138-140 kph.
Selectors are preparing India T20I, ODI and Test squads, as well as an India A squad for the tour.
Shreyas Iyer could captain the final two ODIs if Shubman Gill focuses on preparing for the Tests.
- Who
- Akash Deep is expected to be recalled to India's Test squad; selectors are also choosing other India and India A squads.
- What
- India is preparing squads for a New Zealand tour featuring T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests.
- When
- The tour begins with T20Is on October 22; the first Test is scheduled for November 19.
- Where
- New Zealand, with the first Test scheduled in Wellington.
- Why
- Akash Deep has recovered from a lower-back stress injury and impressed in the Irani Cup; India is preparing for its upcoming tour.
- Akash Deep's age
- 29
- Time out injured
- Seven months
- Irani Cup performance
- Six wickets for 68 runs across two innings, bowling nearly 24 overs
- Reported bowling speed
- 138-140 kph
- Tour formats
- T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests
- First Test
- November 19 in Wellington
- Possible Test squad size
- 16 or 17 players
