IND vs BAN: Sourav Ganguly names the 1 Indian bowler who is as quick as Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has praised Bengal pacer Akash Deep following his inclusion in the squad for the upcoming first Test against Bangladesh.

Sourav Ganguly highlighted that Akash Deep can bowl at high speeds like Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami.

Akash Deep took a five-wicket haul for India A in the second innings of the 2024 Duleep Trophy match against India B.

Notably, Akash also secured four wickets in the first innings at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. He retained his place in the Test squad following his performance.

Akash Deep Is An Outstanding Young Fast Bowler - Sourav Ganguly

Speaking at an event in Kolkata, Sourav Ganguly said that Akash Deep is an outstanding young fast bowler, adding that he is someone to watch out for. Ganguly stated that Akash can bowl at high 140s (kph) like Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami.

"Akash Deep is an outstanding young fast bowler. He runs in, bowls quick, and will bowl for long periods,” Ganguly said, as quoted by PTI.

"He is fit, I've seen him play for Bengal over a long period of time, taking wickets. He will be as quick as Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami, hitting high 140s. He is one to watch out for," he added.

Akash Deep made his Test debut against England in February this year. The right-arm fast bowler dismissed Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Ollie Pope in the fourth Test match in Ranchi.

He wasn't included in the fifth and final Test of the series, where the Rohit Sharma-led team secured a 4-1 win.

The 27-year-old pacer has played 32 first-class matches. He has taken 116 wickets at an average of 22.86, including five five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket match.

I Don't See Bangladesh Winning - Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly acknowledged that Bangladesh beat Pakistan in their recent Test series.

The 52-year-old stated that Bangladesh cannot defeat India despite their confidence from the recent victory. Ganguly added that Bangladesh will give tough competition to India.

"Going to Pakistan and beating them is never easy, so congratulations to the (Bangladesh) players. But India will be a different kettle of fish; India, whether at home or away, are a fantastic side with a very strong batting unit,” Ganguly further added.

"I don't see Bangladesh winning; India will win the series. But India must expect good and tough cricket from Bangladesh because they are coming into the series with a lot of confidence after beating Pakistan in Pakistan,” he commented.

The BCCI has also included Yash Dayal in the squad for the first Test against Bangladesh alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj, and Akash Deep.

Dayal earned his maiden call-up after recent performances. Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav will handle spin duties.

The first Test match between India and Bangladesh will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, starting on September 19.

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