Can Akash Deep assume a long-term role in the Indian Test squad? The question has emerged after the fast bowler’s impressive show in the series opener against Bangladesh.
He might have taken just two wickets at Chepauk but his performance with the new ball was commendable. After the second game against Bangladesh, Team India will host New Zealand in three Tests before jetting off to Australia for the high-voltage Border Gavaskar Trophy.
Speculations about Akash Deep’s chance of getting selected for the Australia tour have been rife. The Bengal pacer shared his thoughts about the topic during a press conference.
Akash Deep is expected to retain his place in India’s playing XI and feature in the upcoming Kanpur Test against Bangladesh. He wants to focus on the present instead of thinking about earning a call-up for the Border Gavaskar Trophy, scheduled for November.
“When we play at this level, we should not get confused that I played a certain style at that level (Ranji) and things are different here. I don’t put too much pressure that I need to go to Australia and all that. I live in the present. It remains simple for me,” Akash Deep said, as quoted by the Hindustan Times.
According to the 27-year-old, the domestic tournaments have helped him learn a lot over “the last two years.” “It’s not just a three-month season for us. Even after Ranji, you play Duleep Trophy and Irani Cup. As a player, you need to understand yourself and know your strengths,” he noted.
Akash Deep made his Test debut earlier this year, featuring in a home game against England in Ranchi. At that time, the Indian team management was looking for a temporary replacement for the injured Mohammed Shami. Mukesh Kumar had received a call-up but failed to show consistency which paved the way for Akash Deep to secure his spot.
Akash Deep fetched a three-wicket haul in his first Test appearance against England. It led the selectors to keep their faith in him for the Bangladesh series. It will be interesting to see how India build their pace attack when Shami recovers from his injury. The veteran speedster is expected to return to the fold ahead of the next home series against New Zealand.
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