Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Akash Deep Regains Pace Ahead of India’s New Zealand Tests
Akash Deep is a fast bowler who has recovered from a back injury.
He had not played a competitive match for eight months.
In his return, he took six wickets and bowled at more than 140 kmph.
He says his rhythm is coming back.
He will travel to New Zealand with India A after playing for Bengal against Delhi.
He could be considered for India’s Test series against New Zealand.
Akash says he is focused on improving his own game.
For now, he says the Bengal match comes first.
Akash Deep says his bowling rhythm and pace have returned after recovering from a lower-back stress fracture.
He took six wickets for Rest of India against Jammu and Kashmir in the Irani Cup.
The match was his first competitive appearance in eight months, and he consistently bowled above 140 kmph.
Akash and Bengal teammate Mukesh Kumar are set to travel to New Zealand after Bengal’s Ranji Trophy opener against Delhi.
Akash says his focus is on improving himself and on Bengal’s current match, rather than competing with other bowlers.
- Who
- Akash Deep, a Bengal pace bowler, is preparing to travel with India A; teammate Mukesh Kumar is also named.
- What
- Akash Deep has returned from injury and is preparing for a New Zealand tour, with a possible chance of selection for India’s Test series.
- When
- He made his competitive return in the recent Irani Cup after eight months out; the Bengal match against Delhi is its Ranji Trophy opener.
- Where
- He discussed his return at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground in Kalyani; his next tour is to New Zealand.
- Why
- His return to pace and rhythm puts him in contention for the New Zealand Tests, while he says his immediate focus is improving and playing the Bengal match.
- Injury
- Lower-back stress fracture
- Time away
- Eight months before his Irani Cup return
- Irani Cup return
- Six wickets for Rest of India against Jammu and Kashmir
- Reported pace
- Consistently above 140 kmph
- Upcoming tour
- New Zealand with India A after Bengal’s match against Delhi
- Selection prospect
- Akash Deep may be considered for the two Tests against New Zealand beginning next month