India, April 3 -- There were smiles on everyone's faces, including coach Justin Langer, mentor Zaheer Khan and skipper Rishabh Pant, as speedster Akash Deep went through the paces at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium here on Thursday.

Akash's presence in the side, which has struggled in the pace bowling department this season, is a big boost ahead of their second home game against five-time champions Mumbai Indians on Friday.

After a humiliating eight-wicket loss from the hands of Punjab Kings at their home ground on Wednesday, Akash's availability for the match against MI will boost the spirits of the entire team.

The bowler had picked up a back injury during the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia and had not played a ga...