Despite His Prolific Test Form, Should LSG Release Akash Deep Ahead Of IPL 2026?

Anurag Dasgupta

Why Akash Deep should be released [Source: @iplt20.com] Why Akash Deep should be released [Source: @iplt20.com]

With no Jasprit Bumrah in two of the three Tests on the England tour, India needed someone to raise their hands and deliver the goods. Akash Deep, the pacer who impressed in his early Test matches, turned out to be a breakout star for the visiting side in the 5-game series. He came in as an unknown commodity, but left as one of the bright spots for India.

The pacer first came to the spotlight when he was playing for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. However, he was eventually snatched by the Lucknow Super Giants for a whopping 8 crores. But, his IPL form since then has not been prolific, and despite his Test resurgence, here are some of the key reasons as to why LSG should release him ahead of next season.

1) Injury issues to the pacer

As skilful as Akash Deep is with the ball in hand, his injury track record goes against him when it comes to the IPL retention process. Often, he gets injured, and before the IPL 2025 season, the pacer was ruled out for the initial few matches due to a back injury.

In fact, in the ongoing Test series against England, Akash Deep performed brilliantly at Edgbaston but was ruled out of the Manchester Test due to an injury. LSG have plethora of bowlers who were injured last season, and the franchise could do wonders by releasing them.

2) IPL numbers go against him

Akash Deep is a skilful red-ball bowler and has all the tools to succeed in the game's longest format. However, his T20 numbers are questionable, and the pacer hasn't done anything significant in the IPL as well.

Criterion
Data
Matches14
Dismissals
10
Average54.80
Economy11.83

(Akash Deep IPL stats)

As the numbers suggest, Akash Deep has only tasted disappointment in the IPL, and the stats tell the story. Just 10 wickets in 14 matches, but the biggest issue has been the economy rate - 11.83. His biggest asset is swing bowling, and when swing vanishes, Akash Deep becomes vulnerable in T20s.

3) Is 8 crore price tag justified?

Akash Deep had his base price at INR 1 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, but for some reason, LSG splashed a whopping 8 crore on an unproven bowler. Before the IPL 2025 auction, the pacer impressed everyone with his bowling in the England Test, and seeing his red-ball exploits, LSG purchased him.

However, is 8 crores on Akash Deep justified?. He played just 6 games for LSG last season, and scalped only three wickets, with an economy of 12.05. LSG would be better if they save 8 crore by releasing the seamer, and with that money, they could go after a better option in the mini auction.