3 reasons why India must play Akash Deep in 1st IND vs BAN Test
Akash Deep has gained prominence in the last few years due to his consistent performances for Bengal in domestic cricket. The right-arm pacer's impressive form helped him bag an IPL contract with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and be a regular fixture in the India A setup.
Akash received his maiden India call-up for the Test series against England earlier this year. In his first appearance in Ranchi, the 27-year-old finished with figures of 3/83, taking wickets of top-order batters Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Ollie Pope.
Courtesy of his decent debut and recent Duleep Trophy performance, Akash Deep was named in the 16-member squad for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The roster consists of three other pacers — Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Yash Dayal. The home team is expected to go in with two pacers and three spinners in the first game in Chennai.
On that note, let's look at a few reasons why Akash Deep must be slotted in the XI for the first Test, starting September 19.
3 reasons why India must play Akash Deep in 1st IND vs BAN Test
#1 Gun performer in domestic cricket
Making his domestic debut in 2019, Akash Deep made an impact in only his second first-class appearance for Bengal, as he bagged a six-for against Gujarat. He ended his Ranji Trophy season with 35 wickets.
In the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy season, Akash scalped 41 wickets in 10 games and helped Bengal finish as the runners-up. With 11 wickets, he was India A's finest bowler in the 2-0 red-ball series victory against England Lions earlier this year.
The last edition of the Vijay Hazare Trophy (50-over) saw him pick 10 wickets in six games while securing nine scalps in seven appearances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20).
The talented pacer has certainly developed into an all-format bowler, with a total of 207 wickets in 102 domestic games.
#2 Coming off an excellent Duleep Trophy appearance
Akash Deep was sensational in his solitary appearance in the Duleep Trophy 2024 for India A. Although they lost the match against India B, Akash's performance helped him make a strong claim for the Bangladesh series.
In the first innings, the 27-year-old finished with figures of 4/60, taking wickets of Rishabh Pant and Nitish Reddy. He picked up five wickets in the second innings, with the dismissal of Washington Sundar earning him applause from the cricket fraternity. He also scored a valiant 43 in the second innings, displaying his batting talent.
Akash's ability to generate lateral movement both ways and bowl long spells stood out in the game.
#3 Will be a good prep ahead of Australia series
With his terrific form, Akash Deep is primed to be one of the contenders for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The series holds prime importance as India will look to continue their dominance and win five series on the trot against Australia. Meanwhile, the hosts will look to take home advantage and win back the trophy for the first time since 2014-15.
India's first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai will certainly be crucial for the right-arm pacer. If Akash gets an opportunity on a slow pitch and can perform well, he will stand a good chance of being on the flight Down Under.
Australia will offer swing-friendly conditions with bounce. Thus, Akash Deep can be a lethal option for the Indian team. However, he will first need to prove himself in the home conditions against Bangladesh.