Sanjay Manjrekar buries Mukesh Kumar, declares Akash Deep 'far superior'

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar lauded fast bowler Akash Deep for his bowling performance in the ongoing Test against Bangladesh. He said that speedster has made his case for the Australia series and is far better than Mukesh Kumar.

Akash Deep was the main performer for the Indian team on Day 1 of the first Test against Bangladesh. Despite not taking the new ball, he made sure that he drew the first blood for his team and put them in the driver's seat in a small amount of play on opening day due to the rain.

Akash Deep seemed unplayable in the game as he bowled impeccable lines and lengths. He removed both the openers of the Bangladesh team and brought his team back into the game after the openers were off to a cautious start with the bat.

Akash Deep was threatening even after that first spell that he bowled. He picked two wickets and gave away 34 runs and also bowled 4 maidens. With the way he is bowling, he would be vital for the team on the upcoming Day 2.

Sanjay Manjrekar hailed Akash Deep as better than Mukesh Kumar, saying that he will be among the four fast bowlers that India will be taking to Australia. He pointed to the pacer's repeatable bowling action, saying that he continues in the same vein. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, he explained:

"Yes, and you know, when he made his debut in Ranchi, well, you could see that he looked far better than Mukesh Kumar, who was playing as the third seam at the time.

"So he's somebody that India will have in their top four or five when they go to Australia. And he continued in that same vein. He's got a very repeatable bowling action. You can see that he's bowled a million balls in his life."

India is well stacked with Akash Deep doing so well - Sanjay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar further pointed out how Akash troubles left-handed batters clueless, saying that he gives nothing to the batters. He believes that India has found a very good third or fourth seamer and his confidence would be very high. He added:

"And very good to left-handers, which is always, you know, handy because there's so many left-handers around the world. And keeps it simple. He's straight in the air, you know, which I used to, as a batter, find that very difficult. Guys who are straight in the air give you nothing.

"So if you're a player, well, you know, you saw the two left-handers struggle with that same thing where, you know, the ball was straight at them and just a little bit of movement. So that is something that goes in his favour. So, yes, India has found a very, very handy third seam or fourth when Shami comes back. So India well stacked with Akash Deep doing so well, which will boost confidence in the world of good," he concluded.