Akash Deep superior to Mohammed Siraj? Dinesh Karthik shares bold views on 3rd pacer debate

Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik feels that Mohammed Siraj has done exceptionally well for India so far and should be the third fast bowler in India's bowling line-up. Recently, there has been a lot of chatter about Akash Deep and his elevation in India's bowling line-up.

After Akash's two wickets at Kanpur on the first day of the second Test against Bangladesh, many experts referred to him as the third pacer in India's bowling line-up after Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, thus degrading Mohammed Siraj in the pecking order.

However, Karthik feels that Siraj has been with the Indian team for some time now and is still above Akash Deep. Karthik lauded Akash Deep's exceptional skills but maintained the fact that Siraj is still above him in the order.

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Dinesh Karthik speaks on Mohammed Siraj vs Akash Deep

While speaking to Cricbuzz, Dinesh Karthik discussed about the prospect of Akash Deep becoming the third pacer in India's Test team after Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. While Karthik lauded Akash's excellent performances, he still believes that Siraj has come up from a particular system and has done brilliantly so far.

"Akash Deep is a superb talent. When we give him the ball, almost every time he picks up a wicket and that's a great skill to have. Siraj has done that for some time now. He was rated as the No. 1 bowler coming through the ranks from India A. He has earned his stripes and has done phenomenally well," Karthik said.

The former India wicketkeeper feels that it is too early to degrade Siraj in the pecking order and hence, called Akash Deep as the fourth seamer in the squad instead of third.

"I wouldn't jump the gun so early and say he [Akash Deep] is the third member of that pack. You can confidently add him as that fourth member to that line-up on that flight to Australia,” he added.

Akash Deep's Test career

Akash Deep made his Test debut against England earlier this year in Ranchi. He picked up three wickets in England's top order and displayed his skills with the new ball. However, he was dropped for the next Test in favor of Jasprit Bumrah.

Akash had to wait a long time for his next Test match. His next Test happened just a few days ago against Bangladesh at Chennai where he picked up two wickets off successive balls. He did not get much chance to bowl in the second innings as India's spinners ruled the show.

The 27-year-old fast bowler is currently playing the Kanpur Test where he provided India the opening breakthrough on the first day. Bangladesh's openers started well and played out a testing new ball spell from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

But they could not be saved from Akash Deep's terrific bowling spell as he dismissed both the openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam in the space of a few balls. He finished with 2-34 on the first day.

Dinesh Karthik was later asked about Akash Deep's ability with the old ball. Akash Deep has only picked up wickets with the new ball so far and has often looked ordinary with the old ball so far. However, Karthik feels that it's just a matter of time before he picks up wickets with the old ball as well.