Akash Deep to debut in Ranchi? India batting coach delivers a massive update

Akash Deep is reportedly set to make his debut in the upcoming fourth Test between India and England in Ranchi, scheduled to start on Friday (February 22). The Bengal fast-bowler was not a part of the squad for the first two Tests before receiving his maiden call-up for the final three Tests of the five-match series. He earned the call-up after impressing in the domestic circuit as well as for India A.

In the recently concluded unofficial Test series against England Lions, Akash Deep picked up 11 wickets in two games including two four-wicket hauls. He has a good record in first-class cricket too. In 30 first-class games so far, the 27-year-old has picked up an impressive 104 wickets at an average of 23.58.

Akash Deep was really good:

While only time will tell whether Akash Deep plays the fourth Test or not, India batting coach Vikram Rathour has hinted that the Bengal pacer might make his Test bow in Ranchi. Rathour was asked about the bowler during the pre-match press conference on Thursday (February 22).

In reply, he said that any player who gets a call-up from the Indian team is a good player before saying that he was impressed with Akash Deep’s bowling in the nets.

“Anybody who gets into the Indian team is good. See him in the nets, he was really good,” said Rathour.

Meanwhile, India are set to make at least one change to their playing eleven for the fourth Test as Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for the game. In Bumrah’s absence, Mohammed Siraj will lead the Indian pace attack. The team management will have two options to pick Siraj’s partner – Akash Deep and his Bengal teammate Mukesh Kumar.

As per reports, Akash Deep is likely to get the nod ahead of his state teammate. Mukesh played the second Test in Vishakhapatnam but failed to impress before being released ahead of the third Test. After being released from the squad, he played the Ranji game against Bihar and picked up 10 wickets in the game.