![Akash Deep with Indian Test team [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1777267621357_akashdeepipl2026duleeptrophy.jpg?type=hq)
Akash Deep with Indian Test team [Source: AFP]
The IPL 2026 has been up and running, with promising Indian talents lighting up the stage with standout performances.
While the likes of Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi have announced their arrival at the biggest stage, Kartik Tyagi, Mohsin Khan and Prince Yadav have breathed fire with the ball.
However, some unfortunate names, including seasoned India pacer Akash Deep, have missed out on action due to injury setbacks. The right-arm seamer, who was signed by KKR for INR 1 crore, was ruled out of the IPL 2026 after failing to recover from a lower back stress injury.
Now, with the IPL breaching its halfway mark, Akash Deep is eyeing a cricketing comeback through a major tournament.
Akash Deep was sidelined from IPL 2026 due to back injury
Akash Deep, who was once a part of the RCB IPL squad, joined the Knight Riders setup for the 2026 season.
However, an unfortunate back injury ruled him out of the tournament, with Saurabh Dubey joining the KKR IPL 2026 squad as his replacement.
Despite being a talented pacer, Akash Deep's career has been marred by frequent injury setbacks. He sustained the back injury in 2025 and missed plenty of cricket due to the fitness setback.
Also Read: KKR Sign Uncapped Star As Akash Deep’s IPL 2026 Replacement
The fast bowler participated in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy before the injury resurfaced, sidelining him from the red-ball competition as well as the IPL 2026.
Akash Deep rehabilitating at BCCI CoE, likely to return in Duleep Trophy
After getting sidelined from the 2026 IPL season, Akash Deep joined the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for rehabilitation. According to RevSportz, the India pacer is steadily recovering from the recurring back-stress injury, which will require 3-4 months to heal.
Therefore, as the report claims, Akash Deep will likely miss India's one-off Test against Afghanistan and the subsequent Sri Lanka series.
If everything goes as planned, he might make his comeback to competitive cricket at the Duleep Trophy 2026, scheduled for September.
It's challenging for a fast bowler to bowl at full tilt right after a long injury layoff. So, the BCCI selection committee will closely monitor his progress amid the IPL 2026 season and take a final call on his Test selection if he convinces the management with his form and fitness.
The report states that Akash Deep could return to the India Test squad for the New Zealand tour if he showcases his mettle in the Duleep Trophy matches.
Who could be Akash Deep's replacement for India vs Afghanistan Test?
India will face Afghanistan in a one-off Test match from June 6 to 10 at the Mullanpur Stadium. Akash Deep has been a prolific performer for India in Tests, scalping 28 wickets at a healthy strike rate of 54.86.
The BCCI selection committee might rest Jasprit Bumrah for the one-off Test against Afghanistan to manage his workload ahead of the WTC fixtures and 2027 World Cup.
Therefore, with Akash Deep set to miss the highly anticipated clash, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee could look at Prasidh Krishna, Anshul Kamboj and Arshdeep Singh as Mohammed Siraj's potential bowling partners for the one-off clash.
Also Read: Angkrish Raghuvanshi Caught Abusing Rishabh Pant After Obstructing The Field Controversy
