India’s rising pace sensation Akash Deep opened up on the light-hearted banter he shared with England opener Ben Duckett during the gripping fifth Test of the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval. While the exchange caught plenty of attention, the young pacer admitted that one memory he cherishes more is his picture-perfect dismissal of Joe Root, a moment he has replayed countless times.

India, having posted 224 in the first innings, found themselves under pressure as Duckett launched into the bowlers with his aggressive “Bazball” style. He cracked five boundaries and two sixes, putting England on top early.

Akash Deep, however, had the last laugh. After Duckett teased him saying, “You can’t get me out this time,” the pacer dismissed him yet again, forcing a faint edge to wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. With a cheeky grin, Akash put his arm around Duckett and quipped, “Bro, now go and rest, please.”

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The numbers back Akash’s dominance. In six Test innings, he has dismissed Duckett four times while conceding only 55 runs—an average of 13.75. Yet, despite this head-to-head edge, Akash admitted that his favourite scalp remains Joe Root. Recalling India’s historic maiden Test win at Edgbaston, Akash spoke about how he meticulously set up the former England captain.

By sticking to one probing length, he eventually jagged one back sharply to uproot Root’s stumps for just six runs. “Joe Root. The way I got him bowled—that was exactly how I had planned it. That moment will stay with me forever,” he said.

Akash was the spearhead of India’s pace unit throughout the series, especially in the high-pressure decider. Defending a mammoth 608-run target, he rose to the occasion with a match-defining 10-wicket haul, powering India to a thumping 336-run victory. His efforts ensured the five-Test series ended 2-2, sealing his reputation as one of India’s brightest fast-bowling prospects.

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With 13 wickets across three Tests in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Akash not only impressed fans but also showcased the grit and skill needed to thrive at the highest level. For him, dismissing Joe Root may be the highlight, but the series proved he can deliver on the biggest stage.