Akash Deep, the debutant who made headlines with his sensational performance against England on the first day of the fourth Test in Ranchi, revealed the invaluable advice he received from Jasprit Bumrah. Stepping in for Bumrah in the lineup, Akash’s impactful spell rattled the England top-order, leaving them struggling at 58 for 3 within the first hour of play.

Reflecting on his debut, Akash Deep expressed that he approached the game without nerves, maintaining a mindset of treating every match as if it were his last. He credited this mentality for helping him stay focused and perform at his best.

Acknowledging Bumrah’s guidance, Akash disclosed that the seasoned campaigner advised him to adjust his length slightly in international cricket, a tip he applied effectively during his spell.

WATCH – Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya’s Rigorous Training Session Unveiled Ahead Of IPL 2024

“I wasn’t nervous; I had spoken with my coaches, so I wasn’t tense ahead of the game. I don’t know how it happened, but I used to take every game as my last game and tried my best. Bumrah bhai advised me to drag the length back slightly (in international cricket), that’s exactly what I did,” Akash Deep shared during an interview with the broadcasters.

Despite his impactful debut, Akash Deep’s elation was tempered by a momentary setback when his dismissal of Zak Crawley was revoked due to a no-ball. Reflecting on this, he expressed regret, hoping it wouldn’t adversely affect the team’s fortunes. He noted the initial assistance from the pitch, which softened over time, coupled with the sluggish nature of the wicket.

ALSO READ: Nick Knight Criticizes Jonny Bairstow’s Shot Selection And England’s Batting Approach

“I felt bad (on the no-ball), I was just hoping that the team doesn’t lose because of that (since Crawley was batting well). There was a bit of help early on, but the ball became soft, and the wicket was slow as well. We just tried to be as tight as possible and bowl in the right areas,” Akash Deep remarked, highlighting the challenges faced as the day progressed.