Akash Deep opens up on IPL 2025 challenge post injury layoff, says important for him to get game time

Lucknow Super Giants fast bowler Akash Deep has joined the franchise and he is looking forward to making his comeback after recovering from a back injury. Deep suffered the injury on the Australian tour and he was recuperating at the NCA in Bengaluru.

The fast bowler from Bengal scalped five wickets in two Test matches against Australia at an average of 54 but didn’t have the rub of the green on his side as he went the outside edge of Australian batters on numerous occasions.

Deep is now looking forward to making his comeback in the IPL, where he would play for the new franchise. The pacer said it is crucial for him to get game time under his belt to get back the confidence.

Deep said in the press conference, “I feel the first match is very important for me. 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.”

The fast bowler was part of RCB’s squad in the last season and said he would look to give his best for LSG.

He added, “The jersey changes but the player remains the same and I am really enjoying my time with this franchise. 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,” he went on to add.

Meanwhile, LSG has managed a solitary win in three games but Deep downplayed the team’s indifferent start to the season.

“In cricket, the performance is not often in our control as a team. We have only played three matches and the IPL is a long tournament and in these three matches, we have seen a lot of positives. Despite four fast bowlers being injured, the way we performed in the first match, I thought it was great. The tournament is long and the best is yet to come.”

LSG will take on Mumbai Indians at Lucknow on Friday.