Akash Deep’s standout performance in the Duleep Trophy was defined by two crucial deliveries that showcased his skill and strategic thinking. Playing for India A against India B, Akash delivered an impressive match haul of 9 for 116.
Crucial Moments in the Match
The first pivotal moment came with the dismissal of Nitish Kumar Reddy, achieved through late seam movement that hit the top of the off stump. The second notable dismissal was against Washington Sundar. After repeatedly bowling from around the wicket and straightening the ball, Akash cleverly switched to over the wicket. He then bent the ball back off the seam to beat Sundar’s inside edge and hit the stumps.
Strategic Influence of Mohammed Shami
When asked about his favorite wickets from the match, Akash highlighted these two dismissals. He explained his strategy behind the wicket of Washington Sundar, noting that he had previously bowled a lot from around the wicket in the nets. This made Sundar accustomed to that angle, so Akash decided to vary his approach.
Akash credited Mohammed Shami for influencing his approach. Shami’s advice focused on making batters guess the ball’s movement from the same spot. Akash recalled Shami’s strategy of setting up Ben Stokes at last year’s World Cup as an example. Shami had advised him to let the ball naturally swing in over time and to avoid overemphasizing this movement early on, which could mislead batters.
Endurance and Conditioning
Akash’s ability to generate movement both ways and bowl long spells was notable. He delivered 41 overs across both innings, the most by any bowler in the match. This endurance was attributed to his conditioning work at the NCA over the past month.
Focus on the Present
Reflecting on his performance, Akash expressed a focus on the present rather than future selections. Despite his impressive outing, he remains focused on continual improvement and learning, ensuring he remains hungry and motivated.
Akash’s performance has set him up as a strong contender for the third seamer’s role in upcoming home Tests, potentially in place of Shami if he remains unavailable. For now, Akash remains committed to his process, prioritizing recovery and immediate goals over long-term expectations.
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