Akash Deep returns from injury to play Rest of India against J&K in Irani Cup in Srinagar

Akash Deep will return to competitive cricket for Rest of India against Jammu & Kashmir in the Irani Cup at the Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar from Thursday; it will be his first match since February. The venue’s verdant outfield and the Zabarwan Mountain Range form the backdrop for his comeback.

The 29-year-old had been sidelined by a stress fracture in his lower back that was detected shortly after he had played for Bengal in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy semifinal against J&K. That diagnosis led to a seven-month recovery and rehabilitation period at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The layoff interrupted a budding Test career whose standout performance was match figures of 10 for 187 in India’s 336-run win against England at Edgbaston in July, 2025.

His return comes coincidentally against Jammu & Kashmir, the same opposition he faced in the Ranji semifinal after which the injury was discovered. The Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium’s setting is noted in his preparations but his primary focus is resuming competitive action after the prolonged break.

On Tuesday Akash described how he used the enforced absence to re-evaluate routines and prepare for a longer career: "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.

He said the stress fracture was not the result of a single incident and pointed to workload during a busy 2025-26 season as a factor in his injury. The experience has, he said, made him more conscious about balancing exertion and conservation. "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.

Akash is scheduled to play for Rest of India against Jammu & Kashmir in the Irani Cup from Thursday, marking his immediate next appearance after the seven-month rehabilitation spell.