Akash Deep has secured a spot in the Indian squad that will face Bangladesh in the first Test beginning on September 19 in Chennai. In the young pacer, who accounted for nine wickets in the match against India B, the selectors have rewarded a thrilling performance in the Duleep Trophy 2024. His fine performance played a vital role in securing his berth, and Akash gave a sneak peek into how he approached noted opponents like Washington Sundar and Nitish Reddy, who had seen him bowl a lot.
Talking to reporters after his selection, Akash credited Indian pace spearhead Mohammed Shami for his useful tips. Shami’s individual tussle with Ben Stokes of England during ODI World Cup 2023 is still etched in the memory of many a cricket fan. It has been a masterclass in fast bowling when Shami could hit the same spot regularly, made the ball move somewhat, and sent Stokes back.
Akash says a really long conversation with Shami on how to bring the ball in with an angle to a left-hander did it for him. Akash Deep said, “The deliveries I bowled to Nitish Reddy [first innings] and Washington Sundar [second innings] were important. I had bowled plenty to Washington from round the wicket in the nets and he had become accustomed to it. So I wanted to try something different that he hadn’t seen before.”
WATCH – Rishabh Pant’s Hilarious Reaction To Mohammed Siraj’s Viral Meme Sparks Laughter
This strategic shift allowed Akash to outsmart Sundar and prove his effectiveness. Mohammed Shami spoke about the art of bringing the ball in from wide of the wicket into the left-handers.
Akash Deep said, “When you bowl to a left-hander from round the wicket, the ball tends to shape away to the shine naturally. Shami guided me on how to make it come back in with the angle. He’s been brilliant at it.”
Shami also warned Akash against relying too much on this trick. Instead, he told Akash to allow the movement to take shape on its own in due course of time.
“He told me not to strive too much to bring it in. It will come in automatically and become a wicket-taking ball. If the ball keeps on going out and then suddenly comes in, it’s tough for the batsman,” Akash Deep signed off.
ALSO READ: On This Day: Sachin Tendulkar Scores His Maiden ODI Century Against Australia
The way Akash Deep has grown as a bowler, learning from experienced players like Shami, speaks volumes about his hard work and adaptability. Now that he gears up for his maiden Test call, all eyes will be on how those learnings are implemented against Bangladesh.
