Injury Setback: Fast Bowlers Akash Deep and Harshit Rana's Race Against Time

India's prominent fast bowlers, Akash Deep and Harshit Rana, face fitness challenges, jeopardizing their participation in upcoming series against Afghanistan and UK tour. While Akash recovers from a back injury, Rana undergoes knee surgery rehab. Their return might align with August's Duleep Trophy.

India's premier fast bowlers, Akash Deep and Harshit Rana, are facing significant fitness challenges, casting doubt over their participation in this year's matches against Afghanistan and on the UK tour. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sources revealed these updates on Friday.

Akash Deep is recovering from a back injury, while Harshit Rana is rehabilitating post knee surgery following a ligament tear just before the start of the T20 World Cup in India. Both players, associated with Kolkata Knight Riders, have already missed the ongoing Indian Premier League.

Currently engaged in strengthening routines, the duo is a long way from match-readiness. Their realistic return might not occur until the Duleep Trophy, slated for August. Akash, viewed as a Test prospect, faces a longer recovery than Rana, who is integral to ODI and T20I formats.