As India's fast bowlers prepare for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, they will have to step up in the absence of experienced pacer Mohammad Shami. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will lead the pack, while the toss-up will be among the relatively inexperienced Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Harshit Rana. Former selector Devan Gandhi believes that Rana should have been a part of the India A team to familiarize himself with the conditions. Meanwhile, former bowling coach Paras Mhambrey believes that backing Siraj is crucial for India's success in Australia. Mhambrey also praises Krishna's ability to generate bounce and has faith in him to perform against the Aussies.
In the ongoing India vs New Zealand 3rd Test, Indian pacer Akash Deep got run out after using captain Virat Kohli's bat, sparking reactions on social media. Fans have suggested that MRF bats should be banned as it resulted in two run outs for India. Some even compared Akash Deep's bowling style to that of fellow pacer Mohammed Shami. The incident adds to the woes of India, as Kohli had earlier gotten run out in the same match.
As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prepares to announce the team for the upcoming Australia series, all eyes are on veteran batsman Cheteshwar Pujara. With his impressive record against Australia in the last two tours, Pujara's experience could prove crucial for India's success. Meanwhile, selectors must also decide whether to give younger players a chance or stick with Pujara's proven abilities. Despite not featuring for India since the World Test Championship final, Pujara has continued to score runs, with his most recent appearance in the Ranji Trophy showcasing his skill and determination. With India facing challenges in the fast bowling department, the inclusion of players like Nitish Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, and Yash Dayal is also being considered. Mohammed Shami, who is crucial for India's bowling attack, might not be able to fully recover in time for the first matches of the series.
Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar defended Rohit Sharma's decision to leave out spinner Kuldeep Yadav for the second Test against New Zealand. He supported the inclusion of in-form seamer Akash Deep and spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar in the playing eleven for the crucial match, stating that Kuldeep's artistry would not be needed on a pitch offering a lot of assistance to the bowlers. However, former Indian great Sunil Gavaskar expressed disappointment with Kuldeep's exclusion and viewed the addition of Washington as a panicked move. The Indian team, led by Sharma, will have to win this Test to maintain their unbeaten home record in the last 12 years and stay in the race for a spot in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) finals.
In the recent test match between India and New Zealand, Mohammed Siraj, India's front-line seam bowler, failed to live up to expectations and was unable to take wickets with the new ball. Despite this, the team management chose to stick with him for the second Test, even though the in-form Akash Deep had to make way for Kuldeep Yadav. Former India cricketer Saba Karim believes that Siraj may be under pressure and the team needs to have a discussion with him. In the first Test, New Zealand's seamers outplayed India's and set up a comfortable victory for the visitors.
The highly anticipated test series between India and New Zealand finally began on day 2 in Bengaluru, after the first day was completely washed out by persistent rain. India captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat first, making two changes to the playing XI due to injuries. Young batsman Shubman Gill was replaced by Sarfaraz Khan due to neck stiffness, while Kuldeep Yadav replaced pacer Akash Deep in anticipation of the pitch drying up. All eyes are on the two teams as they battle it out on day 2.
Team India's batting lineup put on a display for the ages against Bangladesh, with every player contributing to the fastest team 50, 100, 150, and 200 in Test history. Rohit Sharma led the charge with 3 sixes, but it was the relatively unknown tail-ender Akash Deep who stole the spotlight with a blazing 12 runs off 5 balls, using a bat gifted by captain Virat Kohli. The match was a high-scoring thriller that showcased India's dominance in the Test format.
Despite a strong start with Akash Deep claiming three key wickets for India, the weather quickly took a turn for the worse on Day 1 of the second Test between India and Bangladesh. With constant rain and bad light, only 35 overs were able to be bowled before play was called off for the day. Bangladesh ended on 107/3 with Mominul Haque leading the team with 40 runs. All eyes will be on Day 2 to see if the weather will cooperate and if Mushfiqur Rahim can reach his 6,000 Test run milestone.
On a gloomy Friday, play was heavily interrupted due to rain and bad light during the first day of the second Test between India and Bangladesh in Kanpur. In the limited 35 overs of play possible, Bangladesh managed to score 107 for 3, with two early wickets falling to Akash Deep. India stuck to their original eleven, with three seamers and two spinners, and chose to field first on a soft and green-tinged surface.
Akash Deep's passion for cricket was met with personal struggles and loss, but he refused to let them deter him from his dream of excelling in the sport. Through hard work and resilience, he made a name for himself in the Bengal Under-23 team, earning a spot in the senior team and securing a contract with RCB in the IPL. In 2023, he showcased his talent with a stunning 10-wicket match performance in the Ranji Trophy final, catching the eye of selectors and earning a spot in the Duleep Trophy. This all led to his impressive Test debut against England in Ranchi, marking the beginning of his promising career in test cricket.