"Aage badh...": Akash Deep reveals how 'best captain' Rohit Sharma motivated him after debut Test blunder

Team India fast bowler Akash Deep opened up about his relationship with captain Rohit Sharma after the first Test against Bangladesh. Akash Deep highlighted that he feels fortunate to play under Rohit Sharma's captaincy, adding that he has never seen a captain like Rohit in his cricketing career.

Akash Deep made his Test debut for India against England at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. He picked up three wickets, including Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, and Ollie Pope, in his first game. He retained his place for the first Test of the two-match series against Bangladesh.

The right-arm pacer recorded figures of 2/19 in five overs during the first innings of the series opener. Akash went wicketless in his six overs in the visitors' second innings. He has also been named in the Indian squad for the upcoming second Test match in Kanpur, starting on Friday, September 27.

Rohit Sharma Is A Different Kind Of Captain - Akash Deep

In an interaction with Times of India, Akash Deep described Rohit Sharma as a different kind of captain. Akash praised Rohit for his calm demeanor and ability to simplify the game for all players. He stated that Rohit treats younger players like friends and brothers.

"I always say it is a matter of good fortune and luck to play under Rohit bhaiya. I consider myself lucky to play under him. He is a different kind of captain; I have never seen a captain like him," Akash said.

"He is the best captain I have played under. He is just a cool and calm person. He keeps things so simple and easy for every player, not just for me. You will be amazed at how a player of Rohit's stature deals with a youngster like a friend and brother," he added.

Didn't Feel Bad At All - Akash Deep

Akash Deep recalled the difficulty of recovering from his debut wicket off a no-ball. The bowler added that he wasn't upset about the no-ball but felt bad because Zak Crawley scored 19 runs off Siraj. He stated that he remained confident in his ability to get Crawley out, which he eventually did.

The Bengal cricketer also stated that Rohit Sharma encouraged him to move on after the incident by saying mistakes happen. However, he acknowledged that such moments are difficult for bowlers to forget.

"I didn't feel bad at all when I took a wicket that was given as a no ball. What made me feel worse was that Zak Crawley hammered Siraj for 19 runs after two overs. I felt bad because my no ball allowed him to score those runs."

"But I had a belief that I would get him out; I had some plans in my mind. I eventually got rid of Crawley. I knew I would dismiss him, and I was confident. When I dismissed him, I felt so relieved and happy at the same time."

"Rohit bhaiya came forward and motivated me after that no ball. He said, 'Aage badh, hota rehta hai.' He asked me to leave that no ball behind and move forward. But as a bowler, you don't forget such incidents."

Akash Deep also played in the opening match of the 2024 Duleep Trophy. He took nine wickets across two innings, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings. The 27-year-old cricketer also contributed with the bat, scoring 11 and 43 runs in his outings.

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