India vs England Test: From a gamble by Bengal coaches to a dream realized, Akash Deep journey to the India Test squad has been paved with perseverance and pace. The young fast bowler, who already has gotten an ODI call-up, now sets his sights on the ultimate goal – a Test debut.
“There’s a big difference between the two call-ups. The Test cricket selection is something different. It’s always been my ultimate goal,” Akash Deep shared to The Telegraph, currently playing for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy.
His consistent performances with the red ball, impressive display in the IPL, and impactful bowling against England Lions earned him the selectors’ nod. Akash Deep is well-aware of the potential for a debut soon, with talks of managing Jasprit Bumrah’s workload before the World Cup.
India vs England Test series: Akash Deep remains grounded
But staying grounded remains key. “Mindset-wise, I won’t change. I’ll stick to what I’ve been doing,” he asserted. He acknowledges the challenging nature of red-ball cricket and focuses on the ongoing Ranji match before contemplating the future.
However, sharpening his reverse swing arsenal is a priority. “It’s important, and I’ve already started working on it,” he revealed. While the current pitch might not aid him, his determination is evident.
Akash’s former coach, Arun Lal, sees immense potential in him. He advises tackling self-doubt, stating, “He just needs to clear self-doubt. Once he does that, you’ll see how deadly he can be.”
With talent, dedication, and a willingness to learn, Akash Deep stands on the cusp of a thrilling Test debut. As he hones his reverse swing and conquers his doubts, the cricketing world waits with anticipation to witness the rise of this promising fast bowler.
