According to BCCI sources on Friday, India’s top fast bowlers, Akash Deep and Harshit Rana, are still some time away from being totally match-fit, therefore they are unlikely to be available for the forthcoming home series against Afghanistan and the white-ball tour of the United Kingdom.
Days before the T20 World Cup in India began, Rana had knee surgery due to a torn ligament, and Akash Deep is now recovering from a back issue.
The two have already missed playing in the current Indian Premier League despite having a contract with the Kolkata Knight Riders.
“Akash and Harshit’s rehabilitation is on track but there is still a long way to go before they can be released to play matches. If we are talking about Afghanistan and the UK tour, there is no chance of both of them getting fit before that. They are still doing strengthening routines. After that there will be jogging, strides, sprints and then skills associated with ‘Return To Play’ (RTP) protocols,” PTI quoted a BCCI source as saying.
Rana is a major player in the ODI and T20I formats, whilst Akash Deep is more of a red-ball possibility. With 26 wickets in 14 games, Harshit became India’s most successful ODI bowler in 2025.
A match-haul of 12 wickets against England in Birmingham during the Anderson-Tendulkar series last year was Akash Deep’s pivotal moment. It may take Akash Deep longer than Rana to return to competitive cricket, according to insiders.
The senior men’s domestic season opener, the Duleep Trophy, which is set for some time in August, might be a more feasible opportunity for them.
