Akash Deep's selection for BGT 2024-25 confirmed, claims legendary India pacer

India's legendary fast bowler has backed Akash Deep to be a part of India's squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Zaheer Khan reckoned that Akash has all the ingredients to be a good fast bowler and can be a handful in Australia.

Akash made his Test debut against England earlier this year in Ranchi. The youngster had a good match as he picked up three top-order wickets with the new ball in England's first innings which helped India make early inroads.

However, he was dropped for the next match for the bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Currently, Akash is playing India's ongoing Test series against Bangladesh and has been a part of both the Tests.

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Zaheer Khan backs Akash Deep to be a part of India's squad for BGT 2024-25

During a chat with Cricbuzz, Zaheer Khan spoke about India's third fast bowler in Tests after Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Zaheer was absolutely convinced that Akash should be the third seamer in India's squad for the Australia tour.

"There is no doubt about that. If you look at the Indian team's playing XI and there are talks about three seamers, Akash Deep is the third. So obviously when we talk about Australia, about that tour, we could see Akash Deep part of the team," Zaheer said.

The former India pacer further elaborated on Akash's skills and claimed that he has the aggression needed for a fast bowler. Zaheer also compared Akash Deep's skills with Mohammed Siraj.

"Like how (Mohammed) Siraj approaches it. He attacks the stump a lot fourth stump, off stump. The more deliveries you put around that on good length consistently, and it is important in Test match level," Zaheer explained.

"Akash Deep has all of that and he showed he has that aggression needed for a pacer. He has good potential and if he gets chances, his self-belief will increase and he will contribute to the team," he added.

Akash Deep continues to impress

After picking up three wickets on his Test debut, Akash picked up two wickets in his second Test against Bangladesh, played at Chennai. Bowling from around the wicket, the 27-year-old quick shattered the stumps of Zakir Hasan and Mominul Haque off successive deliveries.

He did not get much chance to bowl in the second innings as Indian spinners picked up 9 wickets between them. India went on to beat Bangladesh comprehensively by 280 runs.

After the Chennai Test, Akash said that he wasn't at his best in his Test debut against England but was able to find his groove right from the first ball at Chennai. His plan was to bowl a tight line at off stump and not allow the opposition batters to get away.

India's fast bowlers for Australia tour

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are likely to be India's frontline fast bowlers for the tour of Australia. While the selectors are expecting Mohammed Shami to be fit before the Australia series, his return to international cricket is still not confirmed.

Shami is expected to play one or two matches in the Ranji Trophy before making his Test return. India is likely to select 4-5 fast bowlers for the Australia tour and Akash Deep remains firmly in the plans.