I am a better-prepared bowler after injury break: Akash Deep

Akash Deep represented Rest of India in the Irani Cup 2026. | Photo Credit: IMRAN NISSAR

Looking at the brighter side of his seven-month injury lay-off, pacer Akash Deep said the break gave him time to work on himself and return as a better prepared bowler.

Akash, who played in the Bengal-Jammu & Kashmir Ranji Trophy semifinal here in February, was out of action with a lower back issue. After claiming six wickets for Rest of India against the same opposition in Irani Cup in Srinagar earlier this month, he is raring to go in Bengal’s Ranji season opener against Delhi here.

“As a fast bowler, it’s a challenge to stay in professional cricket for 10 years because you don’t get time to prepare your body. In the injury period, I prepared my body. In the first match (following a break), you don’t push yourself. Still, my rhythm was good and I bowled at a good pace, the way I used to bowl four-five years ago. That’s a good sign,” said a confident Akash on Saturday.

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Akash could think differently during the break. “Both physically and mentally, it’s important to work on yourself as an elite athlete. When I was free, I was able to realise this. When we play, we can’t do that.”

Like Kapil Dev, who used to shine the ball with his left hand to give rest to his bowling hand, 29-year-old Akash opts to preserve himself. “When I feel the need, I do the same.”

Akash preferred to focus on the present instead of bothering about upcoming assignments, including India ‘A’ side’s tour of New Zealand and a possible India call there.