Meet Akash Maharaj Singh: LSG captain Rishabh Pant's secret weapon

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Lucknow Super Giants chose to bowl first after winning the toss against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala. LSG captain Rishabh Pant cited potential early assistance for bowlers as the reason. LSG debutant Akash Singh, a left-arm pacer, and PBKS included Marcus Stoinis in their playing XI. Akash Singh’s journey from a humble background to professional cricket is highlighted.

NEW DELHI: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) won the toss and elected to bowl first against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 54 of IPL 2025, being played at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Sunday. This marks PBKS’ first home game at their second venue of the season, having played four previous matches in New Chandigarh.

PBKS currently sit fourth on the points table with six wins from 10 matches and remain firmly in the playoff race. LSG, returning to action after a week-long break, are placed sixth with five victories from 11 games. A win today is crucial for them to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot.

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After calling correctly at the toss, LSG captain Rishabh Pant explained his decision to bowl first, citing possible early assistance for bowlers. “We feel it’s a bowling-first pitch. Not sure how it’s going to behave, but it looks like the ball might stop a bit. It’s slightly loose on the surface, though still a good wicket. Bowling first gives us an edge,” Pant said.

With conditions having been wet over the past two days, LSG handed a debut cap to left-arm pacer Akash Singh and named leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi among their impact substitutes, indicating a preference for seam in the early stages.

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On the other hand, PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer revealed one change in the playing XI, with seam-bowling all-rounder Marcus Stoinis included. “We would’ve bowled first too. The wicket has been under covers due to rain over the last two days, and there’s some moisture beneath. The grass is a bit thick,” Iyer said.

The PBKS captain emphasised the importance of staying positive. “We’re up for the challenge. You can’t dwell on poor performances; they tend to haunt you. It’s about maintaining high spirits, motivating one another, and enjoying each other’s success. That’s the culture we’ve built.”

WHO IS AKASH MAHARAJ SINGH?

Born on April 26, 2002, in the quiet village of Nagla Ram Ratan in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, Akash Singh’s journey to professional cricket is a testament to grit and raw talent. Hailing from a modest family—his father a farmer and his mother a homemaker—Akash took his first significant step towards a cricketing career at the Shardul Sports School in Bikaner.

His potential quickly became evident, earning him a place at the prestigious MRF Pace Foundation, where he trained under the watchful eyes of legends like Glenn McGrath. The stint refined his control, rhythm, and swing—qualities that would shape his identity as a new-ball bowler.

Akash made his domestic T20 debut for Rajasthan in the 2019 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, making an immediate impact with a two-wicket haul. His impressive performances led to selections for India’s Under-19 squads in both the 2019 ACC Asia Cup and the 2020 ICC U19 World Cup. In the latter, he emerged as India’s strike weapon with the new ball, finishing with 11 wickets in six matches and playing a vital role in guiding the team to the final.

His domestic career has seen him don the jerseys of Rajasthan, Nagaland, and Baroda—demonstrating his adaptability and hunger for opportunities. In red-ball cricket, especially in the Ranji Trophy, Akash has impressed with his ability to generate movement off the seam and dismiss top-order batters, including notable performances against powerhouse teams like Mumbai.

The IPL journey began when Rajasthan Royals picked him in the 2020 auction, though he had limited exposure initially. He made his IPL debut in 2021 and later caught attention during his stint with Chennai Super Kings in 2023, where he played four matches, took five wickets, and showcased his sharp pace and deceptive angle. Mentorship under MS Dhoni proved to be a pivotal experience in his development.

In 2024, Akash was roped in by Sunrisers Hyderabad, although he didn’t feature in a game that season.

Known for his natural ability to swing the ball and hit the deck with intent, Akash Singh remains one of the most promising left-arm seamers in India’s fast-bowling pipeline—a young pacer with the tools to shine across formats and conditions.

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