Lucknow Super Giants fans finally have some good news after what has been a mixed start to the season. Pacer Akash Deep has officially joined the LSG squad ahead of their all-important IPL 2025 clash against Mumbai Indians on Friday, April 4, 2025. His arrival is expected to provide a significant boost to a bowling attack that has struggled in the early matches of the tournament.
Akash Deep has been on the sidelines for a while, with his last competitive appearance dating back to December 2024, when he suffered a back injury during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. After a lengthy rehabilitation process, he is now ready to make his return to the field. The team shared a short clip of Akash arriving at the hotel, where he was welcomed by key players like Mitchell Marsh, David Miller, and Nicholas Pooran, all of whom are currently holding the fort for LSG.
Despite having played just one game in IPL 2024 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against MI at the Wankhede Stadium, Akash has shown promise in the limited chances he has received. With seven wickets in eight IPL matches, he has always been sharp and hungry for more opportunities.
Akash's entry comes at a crucial time for LSG, whose bowling has resembled a hospital ward this season. Mayank Yadav is recovering from a lumbar stress injury and now faces a toe issue, while Mohsin Khan has been ruled out completely after suffering an ACL tear in December 2024. Avesh Khan is back from injury but has been inconsistent, and Prince Yadav hasn't made much of an impact. Shardul Thakur has been trying to fill the gaps, but his performance has been shaky, leading to a desperate need for a reliable pace bowler.
The Mumbai Indians clash is pivotal for LSG, and they need someone who can hit the deck hard and bowl with heart—qualities that Akash possesses. It’s worth noting that LSG shelled out INR 8 crores for him at the auction, a significant investment that they hope will pay off.
Akash Deep himself expressed his excitement about returning to play. "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,” he told reporters.
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.” Akash emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence in his process, stating, "For this type of tournament, staying confident becomes very important for a player.”
In the ongoing IPL 2025 season, the Super Giants have faced their share of highs and lows. Currently, they sit in sixth place in the table with just two points from three matches, having won only one of their last three games. Their captain, Rishabh Pant, has also struggled, managing only 17 runs at an average of 5.67, which has compounded the team’s challenges.
As LSG prepares to face MI, the anticipation surrounding Akash Deep's return adds an exciting layer to the match. Both he and Jasprit Bumrah have been recovering from back injuries sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but while Bumrah's return remains uncertain, Akash is ready to take the field.
With the stakes high and the pressure mounting, LSG is counting on Akash to deliver. His performance could be the turning point for a team that desperately needs to gain momentum in the tournament. As the Super Giants gear up for this crucial encounter, fans will be eagerly watching to see if Akash Deep can make an immediate impact and help steer LSG back on course.
In summary, Akash Deep’s comeback is not just a personal milestone; it represents a potential turning point for the Lucknow Super Giants as they navigate a challenging IPL 2025 season.
