Irani Cup 2026-27 — Back from injury, Akash Deep ready to shine again against Jammu and Kashmir

Guess Who’s Back: Akash Deep will look to strike again at the Irani Cup on his return to competitive cricket for the first time since February. | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar

When Akash Deep takes the field for Rest of India against Jammu & Kashmir in the Irani Cup from Thursday, the verdant surroundings at the Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium, coupled with the beautiful backdrop provided by the Zabarwan Mountain Range, won’t be the only thing bringing cheer to the pacer.

The 29-year-old’s glee will have more to do with his return to competitive cricket for the first time since February.

His long layoff was due to a stress fracture in his lower back, often an occupational hazard for his tribe of fast bowlers. It was detected shortly after he had played for Bengal in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy semifinal against J&K, setting in motion a process of recovery and rehab at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for seven months.

It temporarily halted a promising Test career whose high point was his match figures of 10 for 187 in India’s 336-run win against England at Edgbaston in July 2025. Instead of sulking, Akash has put his recovery time to use to learn more about his body.

Akash Deep had taken 10 wickets across both innings at Edgbaston, with India winning that Test by 336 runs. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

And now, he is now ready to go, coincidentally against J&K once more.

“I analysed a lot about how I can spend this time productively. I started focusing on every aspect. I spoke to a dietitian about how I can improve my nutrition further. I thought about muscle training, sleep… I realised that I have to use this time well to prolong my career. The main lesson I’ve learnt is to understand my body. That is very important as an athlete,” Akash told The Hindu on Tuesday.

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In most cases, a stress fracture isn’t borne out of a single incident.

In Akash’s view, a sizeable workload over the course of a hectic 2025-26 season was responsible for his predicament. It has made the bowler from Bihar more aware of when to exert and conserve himself.

“To be honest, if it is a do-or-die match, it is very hard to hold back. But I can try to be smarter about situations where I am needed to push my body and where it is not needed,” he said.