After two losses in three games, Lucknow Super Giants’ season of high hopes has suddenly taken a hit. One reason is the absence of their first-choice pace attack. However, LSG will breathe a sigh of relief to know that pacer Akash Deep has recovered from the injury and is set to join the side on Wednesday (April 2). He is likely to be available for the LSG vs MI, IPL 2025 clash on April 4.
Akash Deep has been recovering from a lower back injury that he suffered in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He has been sidelined with the injury since December 2024. While he hasn’t played any competitive cricket since, LSG will hope their Rs 8-cr pick is back to his best soon.
The Bengal pacer has played just 8 matches across three seasons of IPL, bagging 7 wickets. However, in T20s, he has scalped 49 wickets in 42 matches with an economy rate of 7.71. IPL 2025 could be the year of revelation for him, having done well with the India Test team.
LSG’s struggles
Lucknow will bank on Akash to partner with Shardul Thakur and form a seam attack. With Prince Yadav also proving his worth, Lucknow need to turn the tide quickly. They have missed the services of Mohsin Khan, who has been ruled out of IPL and Mayank Yadav, who is still recovering at the National Cricket Academy.
After letting Delhi Capitals sneak a 1-wicket victory in their opening match of IPL 2025, LSG pounced back against Sunrisers Hyderabad, chasing down a 191-run target in just 16.1 overs. However, they hit rock bottom again with Punjab Kings thrashing them by 8 wickets on Tuesday.
Akash Deep’s return will strengthen the bowling attack. But bowling isn’t the only concern. Captain Rishabh Pant has struggled with his form, scoring 0, 15 and 2 in three innings so far.
