After a protracted injury layoff, pacer Akash Deep proclaimed himself “100% fit and ready to play,” giving the Lucknow Super Giants a huge boost. The fast bowler, who was born in Bengal, is keen to play in the IPL 2025 after missing more than three months owing to a back ailment, as LSG attempts to recover from a dismal start to the season.
His comeback not only fills a gap in a speed department beset by injuries, but it may also mark the start of a redemption story for a bowler who was just starting to gain popularity.
A Promising Career Paused
Akash Deep’s recent cricket career has been somewhat unpredictable. The past few months have been psychologically and physically taxing for him, from making his India Test debut in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to being sidelined just before the final Test in Sydney because of a back problem brought on by stress.
Due to his quick speed and ability to extract bounce, he had started to get notice in the longer format. However, the injury put him into a lengthy rehabilitation regimen that prevented him from playing competitive cricket for more than ninety days just as he was starting to get his bearings.
“It was really difficult to time the injury,” Akash said. I had only just begun to feel like I belonged at the top. But a fast bowler’s life includes these elements.
Akash said, “It was really difficult to time the injury,” My sense of belonging at the top had only just started to develop. However, these aspects are part of the life of a fast bowler.
“That in-game confidence only appears when you on the pitch, regardless of how hard you train. That first game will be very important.
A New Jersey, A New Chapter
After making his IPL debut with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2022, Akash Deep played for the team for two seasons, displaying promise in the little opportunities he was given. He was released by RCB prior to the 2025 IPL auction, paving the way for a new beginning.
One of the more striking acquisitions among untested players, LSG jumped in and signed him for INR 8 crore after realising his potential and sheer speed.
“I am still the same, even though the jersey has changed. I have the same desire to succeed and develop. LSG has been very welcoming and supportive, especially during my rehab phase.”
Akash is excited to get started with his new squad even though he hasn’t played a T20 match in more than a year—a match for RCB in the IPL 2024.
Staying Grounded: The Mental Game of Cricket
Physical recuperation is only half of the process for a bowler recovering from an injury. The cerebral component is as taxing. Akash Deep is well aware of this and thinks that the secret to thriving in high-stress situations like the IPL is to trust your method.
“Your emotional state is just as important in a competition like this as your talent level. You must maintain your composure and have faith in your preparedness. Your game will be easier to play the more you simplify it.
For a player who is just starting out in his profession, it’s a mature perspective that reflects both his own development and the obstacles he has faced.
Injury Setbacks and LSG’s Rocky Start
Akash’s comeback also comes when the Lucknow franchise is going through a difficult time. LSG’s IPL 2025 campaign has started off tumultuously under new skipper Rishabh Pant. After a thrilling loss to Delhi Capitals in their season opener, they defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad handily before losing to Punjab Kings by eight wickets at home.
The mounting number of injuries, especially among their fast bowlers, has made the season even more difficult:
- Mohsin Khan was disqualified from the competition before it had started.
- Once considered a breakout talent, Mayank Yadav has experienced a number of physical setbacks, including a toe problem while recuperating from a spinal stress fracture.
- Due to his personal recuperation schedule, Akash Deep missed the first few games.
LSG’s speed attack has displayed moments of genius despite the bowling unit’s depletion. Although Prince Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Shardul Thakur have occasionally performed well, there has been a noticeable lack of depth and consistency.
“We’ve played only three games, but there have been positives,” Akash said. “The team’s performance in the first game was remarkable, even though they were without four frontline pacers. This is a long tournament—we’re just getting started.”
Learning from the Master: Zaheer Khan’s Mentorship
One of the biggest benefits of Akash Deep joining LSG has been the chance to collaborate with Zaheer Khan, who is presently the team’s mentor and one of India’s finest fast bowlers ever. A rookie bowler who is still honing his skills might benefit greatly from Zaheer’s mentoring.
“I consider myself fortunate to have worked with Zaheer bhai for two months. He is a legend who is well knowledgeable about fast bowling. Even small technical tweaks—things you don’t even realize—he picks up and helps you fix.”
“I feel privileged to have collaborated with Zaheer bhai for two months. He is a quick bowling legend with extensive expertise. He catches up on little technical details that you are unaware of and assists you in fixing them.
What’s Next: Can Akash Deep Fire LSG’s Revival?
The timing of Akash Deep’s completely recovered comeback could not have been more ideal as LSG gets ready for the forthcoming games. He carries with him a great grasp of his game, raw pace, and a will to establish himself. His addition might be a much-needed spark for a club that has showed promise but lacking execution.
As LSG prepares for the upcoming games, Akash Deep’s fully healed comeback could not have come at a better time. He brings with him raw speed, a strong sense of self-worth, and a thorough understanding of his game. His arrival might provide a much-needed boost to a team that has shown promise but has struggled with execution.
Although his injury may have forced him to halt, Akash Deep is now pressing play on what may be the most significant chapter in his cricket career to yet.
