Akash Deep eyes IPL 2025 after recovering from back injury
What's the story
Indian fast bowler Akash Deep is all set for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season after recovering from a back injury.
The 28-year-old pacer, who recently completed his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), will be playing for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025.
Despite focusing on the IPL, Deep was confident about his selection for India's five-Test series in England this June.
Skill enhancement
Deep aims to improve his away-going delivery
Deep admitted he needs to work on his skill of moving the ball away from right-handed batsmen.
"I'm trying to improve on that away-going delivery. In international cricket, you can succeed and trouble batsmen only if you can move it both ways," Akash told The Telegraph.
He also stressed on being mentally and physically strong in Test cricket, where bowling in difficult areas consistently is important.
Game plan
Deep's strategy and strengths in cricket
Deep intends to stick to his biggest strength of getting the ball to move in after pitching on a good length.
"I look to get the new ball to skid and if the batsman is late on it, I can succeed," he said.
With the white ball, his strength is in bowling yorkers.
He is working on running and rebuilding post-injury and plans to start bowling within a week.
Learning experience
Deep to carry forward lessons from Australia tour
Deep's recent tour of Australia, where he took five wickets in two Test matches, has been a learning experience for him. He intends to apply these lessons in his future overseas tours.
"Australia was my first overseas tour, where I gained the experience of reading different wickets and conditions," he shared.
He believes this experience will be beneficial if he gets an opportunity in the next overseas series.
Confidence boost
Deep to approach IPL 2025 with increased confidence
Deep is now more confident than ever heading into the next IPL season after his maiden Australia tour.
"Yes obviously, I'll be more confident and going in with a lot more ideas and trying to implement them in this IPL," he said.
At the Lucknow franchise, he will work with former Australia Test opener Justin Langer, India's ex-pace spearhead Zaheer Khan and former Proteas all-rounder Lance Klusener.