Akash Deep shocked at his own selection in team India
Published - 11 Feb 2024, 01:24 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:26 AM
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Bengal medium pacer Akash Deep earned his call-up to the Indian Test team for the last three matches of the ongoing series against England. Akash Deep stated that while he had hoped for it with consistent performances, he hadn’t anticipated it coming as early.
On Saturday, February 10, the BCCI unveiled their squad for the final three Tests against England, with Akash Deep replacing Avesh Khan as a backup pacer. Akash Deep, who is currently playing for Bengal, learned of his Test call-up while engaged in the Ranji Trophy match.
The Bengal paceman impressed the team management with his bowling prowess in India A’s matches against the England Lions. The right-arm pacer claimed an impressive 13 wickets in three unofficial Tests at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad last month.
I was Hopeful That In The Near Future – Akash Deep
Speaking to PTI from his hotel room in Thumba, Kerala, Akash Deep expressed his surprise at receiving a Test call-up earlier than anticipated.
“I was hopeful that in the near future I might get a Test call-up if I keep performing but I didn’t expect that it would come by the third match itself,” Akash told PTI.
The 27-year-old pacer has been a reliable performer for Bengal in domestic cricket. Akash made his first-class debut in 2019 and has claimed 103 wickets in 29 matches at an impressive average of 23.18. Additionally, he can contribute with the bat lower down the order.
Inswing Is My Stock Delivery – Akash Deep
During India’s recent tour of South Africa, Akash Deep was part of the ODI squad, where he gained valuable insights despite not playing. He emphasized the importance of maintaining composure under pressure to succeed at the international level.
“Inswing is my stock delivery, but at this level, you need to have outswing and reverse swing and more importantly need to control the swing. I was in the ODI squad in South Africa and realised that more than skill, at this level, it is more about mental strength of being able to execute plans under pressure,” Akash said.
This Is A Matter Of Pride – Akash Deep
Akash expressed pride in being part of the Indian Test team alongside fellow Bengal pacer Mukesh Kumar. Akash expressed gratitude to Bengal, which has played a pivotal role in their cricketing journey.
“This is a matter of pride that myself and Mukesh (Kumar) bhai will be in the Indian dressing room together in a Test team. Bengal is our state and it has given us everything. This national call-up is my way of showing my gratitude to Bengal,” he said.
Akash Deep is unlikely to feature in India’s playing XI during the third Test against England, which is scheduled to be played at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, starting on Thursday, February 15.
India Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul*, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), KS Bharat (wk), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja*, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep.
Also read: Akash Deep receives maiden India call-up for the Test series vs England- Report
