In Mohammed Shami’s absence from late 2023, the India cricket team were forced to bring in pace partners for Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar, Harshit Rana, and Akash Deep were the four fast bowlers who came in for the veteran pacer at various times.
Impressive in Tests
While all of them did a fine job, it was Akash Deep who impressed the most. That is why he played against England, Bangladesh, New Zealand and Australia. Although he couldn’t take many wickets in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, it was believed by most that Akash was Team India’s best bowler after Bumrah in Brisbane and Melbourne.
He might have done well in Sydney as well. But Akash was ruled out due to a lower back injury. Due to this, the 28-year-old was out for three months. He underwent rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence and was available to play from April 4 for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
Struggling since returning from injury
Given his performance at home and then away, Akash should be a confirmed pick for Team India’s squad for the England Test series, which starts on June 20. But his performance hasn’t been great. Now, one can understand that you can’t judge someone in Tests based on their performance in T20 cricket.
But he’s been dreadful. Granted, Akash has played in high-score matches, and you are bound to go for runs; his control hasn’t been good. And you need your best bowlers, in any format, to be consistent with their line and length. Akash hasn’t done that in three matches for LSG so far.
Akash Deep in IPL 2025
Against Mumbai Indians: 4-0-46-1
Against Kolkata Knight Riders: 4-0-55-2
Against Gujarat Titans: 3-0-33-0
Overall: 11-0-134-3 (Economy: 12.18, Average: 44.66 and Strike Rate: 22)
Out of India vs England Test series reckoning?
Coming back from injury and getting back to their best, take some time. But Akash doesn’t have that luxury. Bumrah and Shami could be the two main pacers. Considering Team India has opted for four fast bowlers in England, that doesn’t leave many spots.
Given Nitish Kumar Reddy’s performance in Australia, he’ll be on the team sheet as a pace-bowling all-rounder. There is a strong possibility that Shardul Thakur will be going in the same category as well. His Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season was just exceptional, with 505 runs and 35 wickets in 9 matches.
Team India will also pick two or three spinners, even though only one might play. These will be Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav. There won’t be many slots left, as batters have been selected as well. Including one extra wicketkeeper.
Therefore, Siraj, Mukesh, Prasidh, and Akash will be fighting for their places. Considering how rhythm-dependent pacers are, Prasidh and Siraj have been way too good. They might be the best fast bowlers in IPL 2025.
Team India won’t need more than 5 quicks with 2 all-rounders present. This makes things very difficult for Akash. If he doesn’t get back to form soon, it will be doors closed for the India vs England Test series.
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