Indian pacer Akash Deep is unlikely to feature in the upcoming white-ball series against England due to a back injury that has sidelined him for at least a month. The 26-year-old, who missed the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney, is set to return to India and report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for further evaluation and rehabilitation.
The five-match T20I series against England is set to kick off on January 22 in Kolkata, Akash’s hometown, but his availability appears doubtful. Despite not yet making his white-ball debut, Akash’s impressive domestic performances had positioned him as a potential candidate for selection, especially given the workload management concerns for senior pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
Both Bumrah and Siraj, who were pivotal in India’s hard-fought Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign, bowled over 150 overs each during the series. They are likely to be rested ahead of the Champions Trophy, which is scheduled from February 19 to March 9. Bumrah, in particular, is under scrutiny after missing the second innings of the Sydney Test due to back spasms. His return will depend on clearance from the NCA, with selectors hopeful of his availability for the Champions Trophy.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee is expected to finalize the squad for the England series and a provisional lineup for the Champions Trophy during the BCCI AGM on January 12. England will play five T20Is and three ODIs against India from January 22 to February 12, a crucial series in preparation for the Champions Trophy.
Shami Nears White-Ball Return
On a brighter note, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami is in line for a return to the Indian squad for the England series. Shami, who has been out of action since the World Cup final in November 2023 due to minor knee swelling following surgery on his right heel, has resumed playing white-ball cricket in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Bengal.
The NCA medical team has been closely monitoring Shami’s fitness, and selectors are optimistic about his readiness. Shami has reportedly shown no issues while bowling, and as soon as he receives clearance from the NCA, he is expected to rejoin the national side.
The selectors are also keeping an eye on Shami’s performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy knockouts before making a final decision. His return would bolster India’s bowling attack, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Bumrah and Akash Deep.
As the England series approaches, India’s selectors face critical decisions to ensure a balanced squad while managing player workloads ahead of a packed cricket calendar.
