In the opening match of the Duleep Trophy 2024, young talent Nitish Reddy faced a disappointing start, getting out for a golden duck. Pacer Akash Deep delivered a stunning ball that left Reddy unable to adjust, sending him back to the pavilion without scoring. Akash Deep’s excellent performance continued as he claimed back-to-back wickets, dismissing Rishabh Pant and Nitish Reddy, leaving India B in a precarious position with five wickets down shortly after lunch.
Akash Deep made his debut for India earlier this year in Ranchi against England, stepping in for Jasprit Bumrah, who was managing his workload. The 27-year-old impressed on his debut by taking three wickets, earning praise from Indian captain Rohit Sharma.
WATCH – Anushka Sharma Reveals Virat Kohli’s Culinary Adventures
Despite the strong competition from established bowlers like Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj, Akash is being closely monitored by the team management. They are evaluating pacers like Akash, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, and Prasidh Krishna as potential backups for the main fast bowlers. Akash’s brilliant spell against India B has certainly bolstered his chances of a future call-up.
What a Catch! & What a Ball! 🔥
✌️ moments of brilliance in ✌️ balls 👌👌
Shubman Gill pulls off a stunning catch to dismiss Rishabh Pant & then Akash Deep bowls a beauty to dismiss Nithish Kumar Reddy#DuleepTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank
Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/eQyu38Erb1 pic.twitter.com/80Cpgat3nF
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) September 5, 2024
In addition to his impressive bowling, Akash Deep showcased his alertness by contributing to a crucial run-out. Washington Sundar was dismissed after Akash managed to block a straight drive from Musheer Khan with his boot, preventing the ball from hitting the stumps while Sundar was outside his crease.
WATCH – Heated Banter Between Keemo Paul And Andre Fletcher Highlights GAW’s CPL Victory
Meanwhile, India B struggled after lunch. Openers Abhimanyu Easwaran and Yashasvi Jaiswal failed to make significant contributions, and the middle order crumbled. Although Jaiswal showed moments of brilliance with a 30-run innings, Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant added only nine and seven runs, respectively. Both Reddy and Sundar failed to open their accounts, leaving India B in a difficult situation.
