Lucknow Super Giants Bolstered by Akash Deep’s Return
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) received a significant boost to their lineup as India fast bowler Akash Deep joined the team’s training camp on Wednesday night. This development precedes their crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 fixture against the Mumbai Indians, scheduled for April 4th at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
Akash Deep's Injury and Recovery
Akash Deep's return marks the end of a period of recovery from a back injury sustained during the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia. The 28-year-old had not featured in a competitive match since December 2024, missing LSG’s previous three encounters. His inclusion provides a much-needed lift for a team grappling with a string of injuries.
Warm Welcome for the Pacer
The team's official X (formerly Twitter) account shared a video showcasing Deep's arrival. The video depicted a warm welcome from LSG players, including Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who greeted Deep with applause and a hug. South Africa batter David Miller also extended a handshake, demonstrating the camaraderie within the team.
Player Profile: Akash Deep
Here’s a summary of Akash Deep’s cricketing background:
- Age: 28 years old
- Role: Fast Bowler
- IPL Debut: 2022
- Previous Team: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
- RCB Record: 8 matches, 7 wickets
- LSG Investment: Acquired for ₹8 crore at the 2025 mega auction
- T20 Career Record: 49 wickets in 42 matches
LSG’s Injury Concerns and Team Morale
The return of Akash Deep is particularly valuable given the ongoing injury woes affecting LSG. Mayank Yadav’s recovery timeline has been extended due to a secondary toe injury following his initial lumbar stress injury. Mohsin Khan was ruled out of the entire IPL 2025 season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear last December.
Currently, Shardul Thakur and Avesh Khan have been the primary fast bowlers for LSG. With only one win in their IPL 2025 campaign thus far, Deep's return is expected to revitalize the team’s morale and provide a much-needed boost to their performance, increasing their chances of securing a playoff spot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is LSG’s match against Mumbai Indians? LSG will face Mumbai Indians on April 4th at the Ekana Cricket Stadium.
2. What injury was Akash Deep recovering from? Akash Deep was recovering from a back injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
3. How much did LSG pay for Akash Deep at the auction? LSG acquired Akash Deep for ₹8 crore at the 2025 mega auction.
4. What other injuries are affecting the LSG team? Mayank Yadav’s recovery has been prolonged, and Mohsin Khan is out for the season due to an ACL tear.