"He cautioned me against...": Akash Deep reveals how Mohammed Shami's guidance helped him shine

India's rising pacer Akash Deep delivered a stunning performance for India A in the first round of the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2024, leaving fans and selectors in awe with his exceptional nine-wicket haul against India B in Bengaluru.

The pace bowler, representing India A, displayed his growing prowess in red-ball cricket by playing a key role in dismantling India B’s batting line-up in the Duleep Trophy 2024 game. However, India A suffered a 76-run defeat against India B at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Akash Deep shines with a nine-wicket haul in Duleep Trophy 2024 game, credits Mohammed Shami for a stunning show

After the India A vs India B game, Akash Deep, who claimed figures of 4 for 60 in the first innings and 5 for 56 in the second, credited his rapid development to his senior teammate and India’s premier pacer, Mohammed Shami.

Akash Deep's remarkable performance wasn’t just a flash in the pan; it was the result of his consistent learning process from one of India’s finest fast bowlers, Mohammed Shami. The two share a close bond, as they represent Bengal in domestic cricket.

Meanwhile, Akash Deep has openly revealed how Shami’s mentorship has been instrumental in sharpening his skills with the ball. What stood out in Akash's recent outing was his ability to set up dismissals in a manner that kept batters guessing, and the bowler said that it was something he has closely studied from Shami.

Notably, Akash displayed an impressive command over seam movement, often leaving batters unsure of whether the ball would swing in or out in the Duleep Trophy 2024 game. This technique, which Akash Deep has honed under Shami's guidance, was on full display as he consistently troubled India B’s top order.

His knack for using the same spot to deliver both outswingers and inswingers made him an unpredictable threat, and Shami’s strategic advice helped the Bengal star to develop this skill. Shami’s influence on Akash’s game goes beyond technique.

Akash Deep opens up about Mohammed Shami's crucial advice

The senior India pacer has shared invaluable insights on patience and the timing of key deliveries, encouraging him to trust the natural movement of the ball rather than forcing the action. It was evident in the game as Akash bowled with remarkable control, waiting for the right moments to unleash game-changing deliveries.

Akash Deep was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo: “I take input from him (Shami) because our bowling actions are quite similar. When you bowl to a left-hander from around the wicket, the ball moves naturally towards the shine. I spoke to him [Shami] about how to get the ball to come back in [with the angle]. I have seen him do that.”

He signed off by saying, “He advised me not to focus too much on bringing it in. He said it will automatically come over time, and when it does, it will become a wicket-taking ball. Because if it keeps going out and then you are able to bring it back in with the shine, it is tough for batsmen. But he has cautioned me against trying it a lot. But as a bowler, if you are able to do it, then batters will have a tendency to chase balls away as well.”