India’s former fast bowler Zaheer Khan expressed that Akash Deep should get a spot in India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He believes that Akash possesses all the qualities necessary to excel as a fast bowler and could prove to be a significant asset in Australia.
Akash made his Test debut against England earlier this year in Ranchi, where he had a commendable performance, taking three top-order wickets with the new ball in England’s first innings, which enabled India to make early breakthroughs.
However, he was sidelined for the subsequent match to accommodate bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Currently Akash is participating in India’s ongoing Test series against Bangladesh having played in both matches.
During a conversation with Cricbuzz, Zaheer Khan discussed India’s third fast bowler in Tests following Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. He was adamant that Akash should be the third seamer in India’s squad for the tour of Australia.
“There is no doubt about that. If you look at the Indian team’s playing XI and there are talks about three seamers, Akash Deep is the third. So obviously when we talk about Australia, about that tour, we could see Akash Deep part of the team,” Zaheer stated.
The former India pacer further elaborated on Akash’s capabilities asserting that he possesses the aggression essential for a fast bowler. Zaheer drew comparisons between Akash’s style and that of Mohammed Siraj.
“Like how (Mohammed) Siraj approaches it. He attacks the stump a lot fourth stump, off stump. The more deliveries you put around that on good length consistently, and it is important in Test match level,” Zaheer explained.
“Akash Deep has all of that and he showed he has that aggression needed for a pacer. He has good potential and if he gets chances, his self-belief will increase and he will contribute to the team,” he added.
Following his three-wicket haul on debut, Akash took two wickets in his second Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, where he bowled around the wicket to dismantle the stumps of Zakir Hasan and Mominul Haque in consecutive deliveries.
