3 Reasons Why RCB Releasing Akash Deep Was A Mistake Ahead Of IPL 2025

Aashay Chopade

Akash Deep for RCB in IPL (Source:@RCBTweets/X.com)Akash Deep for RCB in IPL (Source:@RCBTweets/X.com)

Akash Deep has done a lot of hardwork in domestic cricket and is now finally reaping rewards for India in the longest format. He made an impressive debut against England and now after doing well in home conditions, he is making an impression on the Australian soil as well. 

He is a good white-ball bowler too, but RCB after keeping him for three seasons, released him ahead of IPL 2025 Auction and the bowler was eventually bagged by LSG for 8 Crore.

So, with Akash Deep's stocks going higher, here are the three reasons that make his release by RCB a poor decision.

Akash Deep's Domestic White-Ball Record

Akash Deep plays for Bengal in India's domestic circuit and has been a consistent performer for them across formats. His record is best in first-class, but in the 50-over and T20 formats too, the right-arm pace is Bengal's main weapon. He has 42 wickets in 28 matches in List A cricket at an average of just 24.50 and has a strike-rate of 30.4.

In T20 cricket, his average and strike-rate is even better. He has picked his 49 wickets at an average of just 23. 46 and stunning strike-rate of 18.2. It shows how regularly he strikes in the T20 format and his wicket-taking abilities would have helped RCB in the upcoming edition.

A Gun New-Ball Bowler And Batting Talent

Akash Deep is a natural swinger of the ball and moves the ball both ways, which makes him a handy Powerplay bowler in T20 cricket. The likes of Trent Boult and Mohammed Shami over the years have changed the games with their burst with the new ball, and Akash Deep too has the same ability which makes him a potent bowler. 

Akash Deep has played 23 matches in Syed Mushtaq Ali and in six of those games, he has picked two wickets in an innings while he has also grabbed three-wicket hauls in 3 matches. It makes him a reliable bowler and has the ability to use the long handle to great effect which he has shown in Test cricket for India. He can be a handy number eight batter in T20s and has good temperament and skills to deliver in crunch situations for his side.

Rise In International Cricket And Maturity As A Cricketer

Akash Deep does not boast of a great record for RCB as he has picked just seven wickets in eight matches. However, five of those matches came in the 2022 season when he was quite raw and in the 2024 season, RCB gave him only match match to prove his worth. 

It did not help them to gauge the quality of the bowler, but he has matured a lot as a cricketer in the last couple of years and with international success under his belt, he is bound to deliver with more confidence at the IPL level too. Also, having an active international bowler in your arsenal is always a handy option for any team and the Bengal bowler is only getting better and better with each passing year.