Akash Deep took 9 wickets and 53 runs with the bat in the first round of Duleep Trophy 2024-25.
Akash Deep had a memorable Test debut when he took three wickets against England at Ranchi in February this year. He has carried forward his good form with a nine-wicket haul and a cameo of 43 for India A in the Duleep Trophy. Riding on this impactful performance, he also retained his national team spot for the first Test against Bangladesh, beginning in Chennai on September 19. Deep looks to be a bright prospect and can be a great asset to India in Tests. Here’s a look at his performance in the Duleep Trophy.
Skilful show with the cherry
Deep had shown in the Ranchi Test how he could make the new ball talk and be a wicket-taking bowler. In the Duleep Trophy match against India B, he made the most of the early moisture on the pitch and got the ball to swing. He was able to surprise the batters, getting the ball in with his effective action. Hence, most of the batters he scalped were unsure where the ball would move. Deep also has control over his line and length, ensuring he bowls stump to stump with no room for batters to free their arms.
His bowling in the second innings was praiseworthy, as he took a five-wicket haul on a pitch that had become slightly better for batting. After conceding a 137-run lead, India A needed quick wickets, and Deep responded with twin strikes, once again highlighting his penchant for taking wickets with the new ball. He also showed that he could bowl with the older ball and take wickets, scalping three lower-order wickets with his accurate and disciplined bowling. Overall, it was an incredible bowling performance from Deep in the Duleep Trophy.
Deep, the basher with the bat
Akash Deep also showed he is no mug with the bat either. When India A were down and out, chasing 275 for a win, he brought out his bat to strike some lusty blows. He ended up with a cameo of 43, with 3 fours and 4 sixes. With Test cricket getting dynamic, some useful runs from bowlers could be more than handy, and Deep fits the bill in this department.
The way forward
With a long Test season lined up, Deep could be a great backup to Jasprit Bumrah if the latter is injured or rested. He could be handy in the five-Test series against Australia Down Under. India might have to go with four pacers to make the best use of the Australian conditions. Hence, a good new-ball bowler with batting abilities can be a great asset to the team.
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