IPL 2025: 3 Reasons Why RCB Should Retain Akash Deep Ahead Of Mohammed Siraj

Akash Deep has been fabulous of late [X]Akash Deep has been fabulous of late [X]

India's promising speedster Akash Deep oozed his class with the ball as he ripped through Bangladesh's top order with a sensational first spell in the ongoing first Test between the two teams in Chennai. After India recovered from a batting collapse and posted a mammoth 376-run total in their first innings, Akash Deep helped them get a dream start with the ball, castling Zakir Hasan and Mominul Haque on consecutive balls. 

As soon as Akash Deep grabbed the limelight following his clinical spell, fans became curious about his future with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League. Despite being a part of the franchise for three seasons, Akash has featured in only eight IPL matches between 2022 and 2024. 

On the other hand, his competitor Mohammed Siraj has always been preferred as RCB's new ball specialist in the lucrative tournament. However, as the 2025 mega auction draws near, we might see RCB retain Akash Deep over Siraj for several reasons, as mentioned below. 

1.Akash Deep's Recent Form Makes His Case Strong

Akash Deep's recent form has been nothing short of exceptional. His bowling has reached its peak at the perfect time, with the right-arm pacer delivering magical spells with the red cherry in recent matches. 

After blowing teams away with his lethal bowling in the Duleep Trophy, Akash Deep oozed his class against Bangladesh, getting the prized scalps of Mominul and Zakir in quick succession. His ability to move the ball both ways makes him an asset for any team in the world. He operates at a brisk pace and gives the batters less time to react to his deliveries. 

But most importantly, he hits the seam and targets the stumps more often than not. These attributes make him a potent new ball option, as he brings bowled and LBW dismissals into the equation on India's low-bounce tracks. 

2. Siraj's Unimpressive Powerplay Record Could Force RCB To Release Him

IPL season
Wickets
Average
SR
Economy
20231017.8185.93
202455333.69.46

(A comparative study of Siraj's powerplay performance in the last two seasons)

Mohammed Siraj was once rated as one of India's finest exponents of powerplay bowling. His ability to swing the ball and use the three-quarter delivery to perfection once made him a tricky customer for the best in business. 

However, his modus operandi is no longer a mystery, as the batters eventually found a way to neutralise his variations. As a result, his performance dipped in the IPL, where he struggled to get quick breakthroughs for RCB in the powerplay. 

Therefore, considering Siraj has lost the zip, RCB might move away from him and give the in-form Akash Deep a long rope to prove his mettle in the IPL. 

3. Akash Deep's All-Round Impact Makes Him An Exciting Prospect

Another compelling reason to consider Akash Deep for retention is his ability to score crucial runs lower down the order. RCB has historically struggled to maintain batting depth, and the inclusion of this fast bowler could not only strengthen their new ball attack but also bolster their batting lineup. 

In recent games, Akash Deep has showcased his ability to smack the ball with brute power. If the situation demands, he can also hang around and support a more established batter at the other end. 

Players with such diverse skills are a rare find in modern T20 cricket, as they can meet every team's need for multiple-dimensional players in their squad. Therefore, Akash Deep's batting skill is undeniably a plus point and could be a key factor in his retention ahead of the mega auction.