“Needed a bit of rest” - Akash Deep shares his thoughts on workload management

Akash Deep, a fast bowler for India, refrained from participating in the discussion of workload management on Saturday, August 30. Akash Deep had done well for India on the recent tour of England with 13 wickets in the three tests he played.

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The fast bowler, who was receiving congratulations from the Cricket Association of Bengal for his outstanding performance in the Test series against England, claimed that he had no influence on the team management's decision to select and rest fast bowlers in the starting lineup.

Due to an impact injury sustained during the final Test match against England at The Oval, Akash Deep was forced to miss the Duleep Trophy. In preparation for India's home Test season against South Africa and the West Indies, the fast bowler is scheduled to begin practicing on August 31.

"I will start bowling from tomorrow. I'm feeling good. I have been playing constantly for six months, so the body needed a bit of rest,” Akash Deep told PTI.

During the three Test matches of the series, Akash Deep bowled 109.1 overs. During the trip, only Mohammed Siraj (185.3) and Jasprit Bumrah (119.4) bowled more than Akash Deep.

Akash Deep sidesteps question on Jasprit Bumrah’s workload issues.

Akash Deep was also quizzed on the ongoing debate on workload management of Indian fast bowlers. All this began when the BCCI decided that ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah will play only three tests on the England tour, managing his workload.

This was after Bumrah had missed three months of cricket since January when he experienced a reoccurrence of a stress reaction to his back. He avoided surgery but missed the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and a few matches of IPL 2025.

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Quizzed on the sensitive topic of workload management, Akash Deep tried to steer clear of making any off-the-cuff remark.

"It's not in my hands. It depends on the team staff and physios; they manage these things. They follow a process; it's in their hands. It's a team game. We are part of a team. We don't think about who's playing or not. Whoever gets to play is focused on winning the match,” he added.

Akash Deep will be in the limelight when India plays four tests at home against the West Indies and South Africa, as Bumrah is not slated to play against the West Indies after playing for India in the Asia Cup 2025.

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