Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency; Immediately following the IPL (2026), Team India is set to embark on a series of international tours. This schedule includes a Test series against Afghanistan as well as a tour of England. However, amidst these preparations, the Indian squad has received some unfortunate news regarding injuries. India will be without the services of two pacers—Akash Deep and Harshit Rana—and it remains unclear exactly when they will be able to return to the national team.
Both players were members of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad during the 2026 IPL season. However, neither was able to participate in matches due to injuries. Akash Deep is currently undergoing rehabilitation. Meanwhile, Harshit sustained a knee injury just prior to the start of the T20 World Cup; he subsequently underwent surgery and is currently not in a match-fit condition. Both players have been sidelined for over three months.
According to a Board source speaking to PTI: "The rehabilitation process for both Akash and Harshit is progressing well. However, they are not yet in a match-fit state; there is still a long road ahead before they reach that stage. Consequently, there is no possibility of them playing in either of the upcoming series—against Afghanistan or England. For the time being, they are continuing their training, which includes exercises such as jogging, light running, and sprinting. They are strictly prohibited from stepping onto the field without medical clearance. It is difficult to say at this moment exactly when they will be able to make their return to competitive cricket."
Over the past few years, Harshit Rana had been emerging as a key asset for both the IPL and Indian cricket, earning the growing confidence of the BCCI. In 2025, Harshit was one of India's most successful bowlers. Similarly, Akash Deep had delivered strong performances for his state team, Bengal; the young pacer from Bengal also impressed with his bowling during the series against England last year. While it is currently impossible to pinpoint exactly when the duo will return, there is hope that these two vital bowlers will be seen back in action on the field within the next few months.