Mukesh Kumar's Irani Cup masterclass sparks New Zealand debate for India

Fast bowler Mukesh Kumar delivered a devastating spell of seam bowling to finish with 6 for 33 and eight wickets in the match, guiding Rest of India to a 167-run victory in the Irani Cup. Defending 279 on the fourth-day pitch at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar, the pace attack tore through the opposition batting lineup as Jammu and Kashmir's last seven wickets fell for just 22 runs.

The performance was built on the back of impressive domestic form, including 12 wickets in five innings at 14.91 in the Duleep Trophy, making him the best bowler in that competition. Across his last four domestic red-ball matches for two winning sides, the 32-year-old has amassed 20 wickets.

With India scheduled to play Test matches in New Zealand starting November 19, a display on seaming conditions has naturally raised questions regarding his exclusion from the current scheme of things. Grounds in Wellington and Christchurch traditionally offer movement that suits his natural length and style of pitching the ball up.

Having previously played three Tests for India with seven wickets at 25.57, Mukesh remains on the fringes while selectors weigh options like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep and Gurnoor Brar. However, recent injury concerns and workload management could see the selection committee look at him as a reliable stand-by or consider him for India A's red-ball games in New Zealand beginning October 24.