Akash Deep, the pace bowler, has been recalled to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) team before their IPL 2025 game against the Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 4. The 28-year-old pace bowler has recovered fully after sitting out of action since December 2024 because of a back issue.

LSG has been grappling with injuries in their bowling lineup, winning just one of their first three games. Their pace unit has been severely affected, with their major bowlers missing matches because of injuries.

• Mayank Yadav is suffering from a toe injury as well as a lumbar stress issue.
• Mohsin Khan has been sidelined for the entire IPL season after suffering an ACL tear.
• Avesh Khan is back but still getting into full form.

With such drawbacks, Akash Deep's return is the timing LSG needs. Akash Deep's last outing was during the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia when he had picked up a back injury. He was rehabilitating at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) along with star pacer Jasprit Bumrah.

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LSG's Big Auction Signing

LSG picked Akash Deep for ₹8 crore from the IPL 2025 mega auction. He had been playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) before, and appeared in a single IPL match in 2024, alongside eight matches overall from the time he debuted in 2022, taking seven wickets.

Even though he joined the team, there is no confirmation that Akash Deep would play against MI. His form and match fitness will determine if he is included in the playing XI. With LSG looking to recover from a sluggish beginning, the presence of Akash Deep can be the stimulus that their languid pace attack has been needing. The fans will be looking forward to seeing whether he is given the opportunity to leave his mark in the remaining matches.