India pacer handed 15-day Rest after injury, out of Champions Trophy contention

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India pacer Akash Deep has opened up about his injury and recovery process following his absence from the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25.

The 28-year-old seamer, who took five wickets in two matches of the series, was ruled out of the decisive Sydney Test due to a stiff back injury. He has since been under the care of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and has not resumed bowling yet.

And speaking about his current condition, the Bengal pacer shared that he has been instructed to have a full rest for a fortnight and the player is obeying the advice from NCA doctors.

"All good. My recovery is on course, and since I had been playing non-stop cricket for a considerable period of time, I was advised to off-load (complete rest) for 15 days. I am following the advice of NCA, and once they instruct me to start bowling, I will do so," Akash Deep was quoted as saying by PTI.

The right-arm pacer made notable contributions during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, despite his modest returns in the wickets column. In particular, his batting heroics in the third Test at Brisbane grabbed attention, where he helped India to save the follow-on.

Reflecting on his bowling approach, Akash Deep emphasized the importance of consistency and patience.

"My endeavour was to maintain discipline, bowl in good areas, and wait for the batter to make a mistake... doesn't matter if the ball is new, semi-new, or old," he explained. Such an approach has served him well in challenging conditions, making him a dependable option for India's pace attack.

While he recovers, the team management is optimistic about his availability for future assignments. With India set to tour England for a five-Test series in June 2025, Akash Deep's ability to exploit swinging and seaming conditions could make him a key player for the side. His progress will be closely monitored by the NCA and the Indian team management.

Akash Deep is not in contention for limited overs cricket for India, but his fellow Bengal mate Mohammed Shami is set to make a return in India colours. After being absent for more than a year, Shami will make a comeback to Indian team in the upcoming England T20I series. The pacer is also poised to be picked in the ODI series against England and the subsequent Champions Trophy.