Akash Deep reflects on India selection for England Tests. “I was hopeful that in the near future I might get a Test call-up if I keep performing, but I didn’t expect that it would come by the third match itself,” Akash Deep said in a press release.
The Indian squad is currently in the middle of a five-game Test series with England. India’s squad for the final three Tests against England was recently released by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), after they had already faced the Ben Stokes-led side in two matches.
One of the names in the Indian squad was pacer Akash Deep, who was brought in to replace Avesh Khan. The 27-year-old was hoping for the opportunity to represent India. However, he did not expect it to happen so fast.
“I was hopeful that in the near future I might get a Test call-up if I keep performing, but I didn’t expect that it would come by the third match itself,” Akash was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
Having picked up 103 wickets in 29 matches for Bengal on the domestic circuit, Akash Deep has impressed with his recent performances, and his call-up to the Indian team comes as a reward for the same.
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Inswing is my stock delivery: Akash Deep
It’s worth noting that Akash Deep was part of India’s ODI squad for the recent South Africa tour. However, he did not make his debut and hopes that would not be the case against England.
“My stock delivery is the inswing, but at this level, you must also have an outswing and a reverse swing, as well as control over the swing. I was in the ODI squad in South Africa and discovered that at this level, mental strength and the ability to execute plans under duress are more important than technique,” he remarked.
He also pondered on his journey thus far; as a child, life was not as easy for the now-27-year-old. He spoke up about his early challenges to get this far.
“In Bihar [then suspended by the BCCI], there was no platform, and playing cricket was a crime, especially in my hometown of Sasaram. Many parents would advise their children not to associate with Akash because he just plays cricket, which could jeopardize their studies. But I do not blame them. What would you have accomplished by playing cricket in such a setting? You would waste your time and never become a cricketer, not to mention ignoring academics. They were terrified that your future would be damaged. “So were my parents,” he said.
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