India fast bowler Akash Deep is currently recovering from an injury but is expected to regain full fitness ahead of the upcoming Test tour of New Zealand. The Bengal pacer is reportedly in line for selection in India’s Test squad for the two-match series, scheduled as part of the team’s tour of New Zealand from October 22 to December 1. Akash Deep has not played competitive cricket since February 2026 and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE).
According to a report in Dainik Jagran, the pacer has stepped up his bowling workload and is currently bowling around 15 overs with the red ball each day. The 29-year-old has played 10 Tests for India since making his international debut against England in Ranchi on February 23, 2024. He has claimed 28 wickets in 18 innings and remains part of the team management’s plans for the upcoming Test assignments.
Akash Deep’s performances during India’s five-match Test series against England in 2025 strengthened his position in the red-ball setup. He picked up 13 wickets in three matches, including a 10-wicket haul at Edgbaston. The performance also made him the first Indian bowler to claim 10 wickets in a Test match in England.
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The fast bowler has also been included in the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup clash against Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar. The match is scheduled to begin on October 1, although his participation will depend on his fitness and progress during rehabilitation.
🚨 GOOD NEWS FOR TEAM INDIA
– Akash Deep will be fully fit & ready for New Zealand Test series. [Abhishek Tripathi] pic.twitter.com/iKA1GIITYH
— Ayush Singh (@Ayush_Singh27) September 19, 2026
Akash Deep also featured in two Tests during New Zealand’s tour of India in October-November 2024. However, he managed only two wickets across those appearances and will be hoping for a stronger impact if selected for the upcoming series.
Apart from his ability with the ball, Akash Deep has also shown that he can contribute valuable runs lower down the order. He registered his maiden Test half-century when he scored an unbeaten 66 while batting at No. 4 in India’s second innings of the Oval Test against England, played from July 31 to August 4, 2025.
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With his bowling workload increasing at the CoE, Akash Deep’s fitness will remain closely monitored ahead of India’s New Zealand tour. If he receives clearance, he is expected to remain an important option for India’s Test attack.
