Sanjay Manjrekar has suggested the inclusion of Bengal pacer Akash Deep in India’s playing XI for the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Brisbane. The former India cricketer believes Akash Deep could replace Harshit Rana, who made a strong debut in Perth but delivered a lacklustre performance in the second Test in Adelaide.

India’s bowling attack has largely relied on the in-form Jasprit Bumrah, who is currently the leading wicket-taker in the series. Manjrekar feels that adding Akash Deep to the lineup could provide crucial support to Bumrah, especially if the pitch at the Gabba offers a pace-friendly surface. India will need to strengthen their bowling unit after a heavy 10-wicket loss in the second Test, with the series now tied at 1-1.

ALSO READ: David Warner Critiques Glenn Maxwell’s Test Cricket Ambitions Ahead of Sri Lanka Series

“The bowling lineup of Bumrah, Siraj, and either Harshit or Akash Deep may look a bit inadequate if the pitch in Brisbane is as flat as it was in Adelaide,” Sanjay Manjrekar told ESPNcricinfo. “If it’s a pace-friendly pitch, India may need a fourth seamer, and Akash Deep could be the right option.” He added, “The team management will have to carefully consider this decision.”

The Indian bowling attack, consisting of Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Harshit Rana, has shown promise but struggled in Adelaide. Nitish Reddy has been a decent supporting seamer, but the performance of Siraj and Harshit in the second Test raised concerns.

ALSO READ: Hardik Pandya Among Google’s Most Trending Indian Athletes Of 2024

There have been calls for the return of Mohammed Shami, who has been performing well in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, but Manjrekar emphasized the need to assess the conditions before making any changes. With the third Test starting on December 14, India will be looking to bounce back strongly, learning from their defeat in Adelaide, and aim for a turnaround in Brisbane to keep their World Test Championship campaign alive.