Akash Deep Returns After 7-Month Break, Joins Rest of India Squad

The 29‑year‑old seamer has been cleared by the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence to take the field again — a green light that means he’s ready for competitive action after a long pause.

He endured a lower‑back stress fracture in the Ranji semi‑final, a setback that cost him both IPL 2026 and a chance to prove himself on the national stage. The injury kept him off the crease for seven months, a period during which he focused on recovery and family commitments.

“Getting my sister back on her feet after cancer was the biggest win of all,” Deep laughed, his eyes crinkling. “I married, got a job in the police force, and even learned to drive a truck to make ends meet. Those moments kept me grounded.” He added, “The BCCI’s Centre of Excellence gave me a clear plan, and I followed it to the letter.” His gratitude is palpable, and his resolve is renewed.

Now he’s lined up to face Jammu & Kashmir in the Irani Cup, the 2025‑26 Ranji champions. The match, slated for October 1 in Srinagar, will be his first outing since the injury, and it’s a chance to test his fitness against a strong side. The Rest of India squad, led by Rishabh Pant, will look to leverage his pace to destabilise the Jammu & Kashmir batting lineup.

After the match, Deep will head back to Bengaluru to resume training, hoping to secure a spot in the next Ranji season and possibly the IPL. The journey from hospital corridors to the pitch has been a long one, but his return signals a new chapter for Bengal cricket.