Talented Pacer Akash Deep Joins Lucknow Super Giants for the Rest of IPL 2025

Lucknow Super Giants fast bowler Akash Deep is back in action and feeling ready to go after a three-month injury layoff. The 27-year-old, who had been sidelined with a back injury since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has joined LSG’s camp just in time for their IPL 2025 match against Mumbai Indians on 4th April.

Speaking to reporters on the eve of the game, Akash Deep emphasized the importance of getting back into competitive cricket. "I feel the first match is very important for me," he said. "I have played one practice match, but in cricket, when you get a two to three-month gap, no matter how much you practice, till you don't play a match, the confidence does not build."  

Akash Deep, who played in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy last year, was injured before the fifth Test. He joined LSG on April 2, just two days before their match against MI #IPL2025 #LSGvMI pic.twitter.com/laRWxEEkKb

— ScoreWaves (@ScoreWaves) April 3, 2025

The pacer last played a T20 match for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2024, and apart from a brief stint in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he’s barely featured in the shortest format over the past year and a half. Having been part of RCB since 2022, he was released before the 2025 auction, where LSG snapped him up for INR 8 crore. "The jersey changes but the player remains the same, and I am really enjoying my time with this franchise," he added. "I have not been with the team for long because of injury, but I feel quite confident. As an individual, you should believe in your process and focus on that process. The easier you keep your game, the easier it gets to perform. For this type of tournament, staying confident becomes very important for a player." 

LSG’s start to IPL 2025 has been far from ideal, with just one win in their first three matches. Injuries have been a big problem, particularly in the bowling department. Mayank Yadav has been nursing a toe injury alongside a lumbar stress issue, while Mohsin Khan has been ruled out of the entire tournament after suffering an ACL tear in December 2024. Shardul Thakur has been brought in as a replacement, while Avesh Khan is back from injury but still working his way back to full form. 

Despite Akash Deep's return to the squad, it’s unclear whether he’ll make the playing XI against MI. His match fitness will play a key role in the team’s decision. But if given the chance, he’ll be eager to make an impact. 

Also Read: Kagiso Rabada Returns to South Africa from IPL 2025 for Personal Reasons