Akash Deep injury update: Pacer’s comeback date confirmed amid IPL 2026

A massive update has come on the India National Cricket Team pace bowler Akash Deep amidst the ongoing TATA Indian Premier League 2026 (TATA IPL 2026), where he was supposed to play for the struggling franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

However, the update is not that promising. The fast bowler is currently out of action because of a recurring lower-back stress injury. His return has now been pushed further for at least three months.

Akash Deep missed IPL 2026 after an injury setback

Akash Deep was supposed to play for Kolkata Knight Riders in the ongoing IPL 2026, but his lower-back stress injury came back again, and he had no option but to pull out of the tournament.

Later, KKR signed Vidarbha left-arm seamer Saurabh Dubey as Akash’s replacement for this season.

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The fast bowler first suffered the stress injury during the Ranji Trophy semifinal between Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir in February 2026. Despite carrying the injury, the Bengal pacer gave his best and picked up three wickets in the second innings, but it made the injury worse.

Akash Deep set to miss Afghanistan Test, Sri Lanka tour; eyes return in Duleep Trophy

Akash is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. The focus is on healing properly this time. The medical team is being extra careful and not rushing anything. It is being said that the 29-year-old is only doing light running and basic strength work.

As reported by Revsportz, Akash Deep is aiming to make a comeback in the Duleep Trophy in September 2026, as his recurring lower-back stress injury will take at least 3-4 months to heal properly and allow him to regain match fitness.

Given the expected timeline, the Bengal bowler will miss India’s upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan and the Sri Lanka tour.

Akash Deep targets the New Zealand tour for India comeback

Akash Deep is likely to make his return with India’s tour of New Zealand later this year if everything goes as planned. The Indian cricket team is slated to visit New Zealand in October–November 2026 to play five ODIs, three T20Is, and two Tests.

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The pacer has so far played 10 Tests for India, and he has taken 28 wickets while delivering some strong performances for his country. His best came on the England tour last year, where he picked up 10 wickets in the Edgbaston Tests, and he won the Player of the Match award.

India set for fresh start against Afghanistan

After the conclusion of the ongoing IPL 2026, India will resume its international season with the one-off Test match against Afghanistan, starting from June 6 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.

This will be only the second time when India and Afghanistan meet in a Test match in India. Last time these two teams played in India, the hosts won that one-off Test under Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy. India is coming into this match after a tough 2-0 Test series loss against South Africa.

So, the team will want to bounce back quickly and return to winning ways, and the team management may try a few new combinations at home.